Indonesia Airlines Group (INA), a new commercial airline, has officially begun operations in Indonesia. Despite its name, the airline is owned by Indonesian entrepreneur Iskandar, though it was established by Singapore-based Calypte Holding Pte. Ltd. on March 7, 2025.

Calypte Holding operates across three main sectors renewable energy, aviation, and agriculture. "We present a scheduled commercial airline with premium services under the Indonesia Airlines brand," said Iskandar, the CEO of Indonesia Airlines, as reported by Kompas.com on March 9, 2025.

He added, "We combine the luxury of private jet travel with the convenience of commercial flights, offering an unparalleled experience for passengers."

Born on April 7, 1983, in Bireuen, Aceh, Iskandar currently serves as both the founder and CEO of Indonesia Airlines, as well as the Chief Executive of Calypte Holding.

Iskandar's career began at the Aceh-Nias Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Agency (BRR). Between 2006 and 2009, he worked at PLN before moving into banking and insurance. His interest in electricity led him to launch a power company in 2015, but it lasted only two years.

In 2022, Iskandar partnered with a colleague from Singapore to establish Calypte Holding. The company has since grown its portfolio across renewable energy, agriculture, and aviation. Within its aviation division, Calypte Holding created PT Indonesia Airlines Group to manage Indonesia Airlines' operations in the country.

The airline will be based at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten. According to Iskandar, Indonesia Airlines has undergone a comprehensive feasibility study with aviation consultants from Singapore and the United States.

"Based on our business plan and the feasibility study, Indonesia Airlines will focus solely on international flights," Iskandar stated, as quoted by Kontan on Sunday.

Over the first five years, Indonesia Airlines aims to serve 48 cities across 30 countries. During its initial phase, the airline will operate 20 aircraft, consisting of:

• 10 narrow-body planes, such as the Airbus A321neo or A321LR.
• 10 wide-body planes, including the Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-9.

The airline will offer premium services and world-class facilities, typically reserved for private jet charters.

Iskandar has built a strong leadership team with experience from leading global airlines. The Chief Operating Officer comes from Singapore Airlines with over 40 years of experience, including as one of the first pilots to fly the Airbus A380.

The Chief Commercial Officer has worked with major airlines like Emirates and Asiana Airlines. The flight operations department will be led by an Indonesian pilot who previously worked for a foreign airline.

Additionally, the Head of Product and Services hails from Brunei Darussalam, having worked at Royal Brunei and Emirates for 25 years. The cabin crew team is also stacked with talent — the Cabin Crew Manager previously worked at British Airways and served on the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) Corporate Committee, while the Deputy Cabin Crew Manager came from Emirates.

PHOTO: CALYPTEHOLDING/GNFI

This article was created with AI assistance.