ER
WHITESKY Group is strengthening its efforts to develop the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry in Indonesia, with plans to deploy up to 200 electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft—a pipeline valued at approximately IDR21 trillion over the next decade.
This development is projected to create and support over 1,000 jobs, ranging from pilots, technicians, engineers, and aircraft maintenance personnel to professionals specializing in the infrastructure and operations of next-generation aviation.
The plan highlights the economic growth potential offered by eVTOL technology, which could catalyse the creation of an entirely new industrial ecosystem—encompassing air transport services, aviation technology, and the development of supporting infrastructure.
Denon Prawiraatmadja, Founder & CEO of Whitesky Group, views the advancement of eVTOLs as a long-term industrial transformation capable of unlocking new economic opportunities for Indonesia.
“Whitesky’s transition from helicopter operations toward eVTOLs is part of our vision to build an air mobility ecosystem for the future. We aim to develop more than just an aircraft fleet; we are also building the necessary infrastructure, operational capabilities, and human capital to generate economic value for Indonesia,” said Denon.
Leveraging its experience in the helicopter industry, aviation infrastructure development, and collaborations with various eVTOL technology developers, Whitesky Group is laying the foundation for its business expansion into the AAM ecosystem.
In the long term, the goal of deploying up to 200 eVTOL units by 2036 is intended to support urban mobility services, regional connectivity, and a wide range of other air transport needs.
However, the development of this industry requires more than just investment and technology. The readiness of Indonesian professionals is a critical factor in ensuring that the growth of the AAM ecosystem delivers broader economic benefits. As part of this initiative, the Whitesky Group hosted 100 pilots at a forum titled “Beyond the Horizon: Shaping the Next Era of Aviation,” held at the Cengkareng Heliport in Tangerang on Wednesday (11/11), 2026.
The event brought together pilots and the developers of VELA technology to explore eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft systems, their operational characteristics, and the competencies likely to be required in the next generation of the aviation industry.
Meanwhile Heru Riadhi, Head of Test at VELA, explained that the advancement of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is shifting the skill requirements for pilots—specifically regarding the mastery of automation systems, energy management, and digital aviation technologies.
“The development of eVTOLs may create a demand for new skill sets within the aviation industry. Future pilots will need a solid foundation in aviation fundamentals, while also being proficient in automation, aircraft systems management, and decision-making within increasingly complex operational environments,” Heru stated.
This transformation highlights that the opportunities within the eVTOL industry extend beyond fleet development; they also encompass potential growth in the demand for a workforce skilled in engineering, operations, safety, technology, and aviation infrastructure.
The Whitesky Group views human resource readiness as a key component of its long-term strategy, ensuring that technological development keeps pace with the expansion of the nation’s industrial capacity.
The eVTOL development plan will be implemented in stages, taking into account factors such as technological readiness, certification, regulatory frameworks, financing, and market demand.
By integrating investment, technology, infrastructure, and the development of domestic talent, the Whitesky Group aims to play a pivotal role in building a new air mobility industry—one with the potential to generate economic value and expand employment opportunities for Indonesia. [traveltext.id]
