Session Assessment of Seaplane Operations: The Case of Marine Tourism Development on Gili Iyang Island, Indonesia

Abstract

The development of marine tourism in Indonesia aims to promote economic growth, enhance the well-being of the citizenry, and conserve the environment. Gili Iyang Island in East Java Province has the second highest oxygen concentration in the world and is a popular health tourism destination. The transportation industry plays a crucial role in facilitating access and connectivity between islands and other regions. Seaplanes are an alternative mode of transportation for reaching tourist destinations on small islands with limited land area that are surrounded by water. This study aims to determine the optimal conditions for reaching the island and the number of effective days for seaplane operations. In assessing seaplane operating factors, water conditions such as current speed (1), wind speed (2), waves height (3), and tides (4) have a significant impact. Therefore, seaplanes cannot effectively operate for an entire year. Using a comparative methodology, the characteristics of the seaplane mode of transportation in the waters of Gili Iyang will be examined to determine the optimal operational time. The results of the study indicate that the 19-seat seaplane can operate 258 days per year and recommend the use of air-sea transportation modes for the growth of tourism in Gili Iyang Island.