Get to know AirFish, the new Batam-Singapore transportation facility, here's the technical specifications

Getting to know AirFish. (photo: dok. ST Engineering AirX)

YOGYAKARTA - Travelers from Batam who are heading to Singapore will encounter a unique new mode of transportation called AirFish. This Hovercraft transportation mode is expected to add to the appeal of Batam. For those of you who are not familiar with AirFish, read the review below.

Quoted from Antara, the Head of the Culture and Tourism Office (Disbudpar) of the City of Batam, Riau Islands (Kepri) Batam Ardiwinata said that the plan for the operation of AirFish is not new.

"This has actually been talked about for a long time. Now it is starting to narrow down and the information will soon be operational. From the tourism side, this is certainly very supportive," said Ardiwinata.

He explained that discussions had been taking place since around 2020 between the Ministry of Transportation, the Batam Enterprise Agency (BP), and the city government, which at that time was still called the 'seaplane' concept.

The AirFish hovercraft is scheduled to start operating in the second half of 2026, serving the Singapore-Batam route from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.

This service is provided by ST Engineering AirX, the result of a collaboration between ST Engineering and Singapore startup Peluca, which has partnered with BatamFast ferry operator.

With a capacity of eight passengers and two crew members, AirFish Voyager offers a travel time of around 25 minutes, faster than conventional ferries, which take around 45 minutes.

Ardiwinata assessed that AirFish has the potential to become a new amenity and transportation that strengthens Batam's accessibility.

According to him, the construction of supporting infrastructure is relatively not complicated because the pier can use existing facilities.

"For the pier, you can use what is already there, so the construction is not difficult," he explained.

With a faster travel time, Batam will be more competitive as a tourist destination and business destination.

"Studies for this must already exist. There was also a trial before and Batam is very suitable for operating this. This adds to Batam's strength as a tourism city," said Ardiwinata.

BatamFast regional ferry operator will be the first in the world to operate the AirFish Voyager commercially. BatamFast will lease and operate the 10-passenger WIG craft for a ferry route between Singapore and Batam, Indonesia.

Get to know AirFish

AirFish is a transportation vehicle with a Wing-in-Ground Effect (WIG) technology base that is designed to provide fast, efficient, and flexible mobility in water areas. With the ability to travel above the sea surface, AirFish can be an innovative alternative between aircraft and sea vessels.

AirFish Technical Specifications

AirFish is equipped with performance designed for modern commercial and logistics needs:

Cruising speed: 100 knots Payload: up to 1,000 kg Cruising range: 300 nautical miles (NM) or about 550 km Take-off and landing capabilities: Operates up to Sea State 3 sea conditions Wind speed up to 15 knots Commercial configuration

For various operational needs, AirFish comes in several configurations:

Commuter (8 passengers). Used for medium-distance passenger transportation, suitable for inter-island and coastal routes. Business (6 passengers). Exclusive configuration for business travel with greater comfort. VIP (4 passengers), a premium version with a luxurious cabin for VIP and executive guests. Complete with two intermodal modular containers (2x Joint Modular Intermodal Containers), suitable for shipping goods and fast distribution needs.

That's the review and explanation for getting to know AirFish, a new mode of transportation in Batam. Hopefully useful. Visit VOI.id to get other interesting information.