Explore Jakarta’s Scenic Landscapes: Small Airplane Tours in Indonesia

Susi Air has always been at the top of my travel bucket list! The allure of soaring in a Cessna and soaking in the breathtaking aerial views of the landscape is simply irresistible.

Established in 2004 by Susi Pudjiastuti, a former Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries for the Republic of Indonesia (2014-2019), Susi Air is an Indonesian airline with a unique story. It operates under the umbrella of PT ASI Pudjiastuti Aviation, with its headquarters nestled in the picturesque town of Pangandaran, West Java.

Recently, flights from Jakarta (HLP) to Bandung (BDO) or Pangandaran (CJN) have become available, operated by none other than Susi Air. The Jakarta airport (HLP) is conveniently located near the Jakarta Halim station, which serves as the terminal for the high-speed Jakarta-Bandung express train, known as Whoosh.

On the Jakarta-Pangandaran route, there’s only one flight available. With a limited number of routes and smaller aircraft compared to conventional airlines, Susi Air ensures a more personalized flying experience. Before boarding, passengers are required to step on a scale to measure their weight, and they must ensure that their checked luggage does not exceed 10 kg, with a carry-on bag weighing no more than 5 kg.

Each flight can accommodate just a handful of passengers, making the check-in process efficient and straightforward. A single check-in counter suffices, and while the process is semi-manual—requiring handwritten baggage tags and paper flight lists—the boarding pass is still printed using a modern printer.

The flight was aboard a 14-year-old Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, a charming aircraft with a 1-2 seat configuration. The cabin is cozy and low, requiring you to duck slightly when boarding and disembarking, much like entering a small bus. The plane can comfortably seat up to 12 passengers and 2 pilots.

Safety instructions are kept simple, with the pilot kindly reminding everyone to fasten their seat belts. As the flight begins, the pilot and co-pilot activate the state-of-the-art Garmin G1000 navigation system. The compact size of the aircraft allows for an unobstructed view, making the journey even more enjoyable.

Perhaps the most memorable parts of flying with Susi Air are the takeoff and landing. The takeoff resembles that of a dedicated skydiving plane, with the aircraft performing two graceful loops in the air before ascending. During landing, you get a front-row seat to the entire process, with a clear view of the runway and the various stages leading up to touchdown.