In Indonesia’s dynamic aviation landscape, Super Air Jet has emerged as a significant player targeting a unique market segment. As one of the newest airlines to take to the skies in Southeast Asia, Super Air Jet has rapidly carved out a niche for itself with its ultra-low-cost business model and strategic positioning aimed at younger travelers. This comprehensive overview explores the airline’s history, operations, and future prospects.
History and Foundation
Super Air Jet was formally launched in March 2021 during a challenging period for global aviation amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline obtained its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) from the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation on June 30, 2021, marking a significant milestone in its establishment. After completing regulatory requirements and preparations, Super Air Jet conducted its inaugural flight on August 6, 2021, connecting Jakarta to Medan and Batam.
While the airline officially maintains that it is independently owned with investment coming entirely from domestic Indonesian investors, industry observers have noted strong connections to the Lion Air Group. Super Air Jet is headed by Ari Azhari, who previously served as the General Manager of Services for the Lion Air Group. Additionally, financial documents revealed that in February 2021, a significant sum of approximately 518 billion Indonesian Rupiah (around $36 million USD) was transferred from Lion Mentari (Lion Air’s parent company) to Super Air Jet, suggesting financial backing from the established aviation group.
Despite these connections, Super Air Jet has consistently positioned itself as a separate entity from Lion Air Group in its public communications. This strategic independence allows the airline to establish its own brand identity and operational approach while potentially benefiting from the expertise and resources of an established aviation conglomerate.
Fleet and Operations
Super Air Jet began operations with three used Airbus A320-200 aircraft, which were previously operated by India’s IndiGo and Tigerair Australia. The airline has since expanded its fleet significantly. As of 2025, the airline operates a fleet of 61 aircraft, all of which are Airbus A320 family jets. This homogeneous fleet strategy follows a common approach among low-cost carriers, allowing for operational efficiency through standardized maintenance procedures, crew training, and parts inventory.
The airline operates an ultra-low-cost model that focuses on point-to-point journeys, primarily connecting major cities across Indonesia’s vast archipelago. Super Air Jet initially launched with six routes from Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta International Airport) to Batam, Medan, Padang, Palembang, Pekanbaru, and Pontianak. By 2025, the network has expanded significantly to include 35 domestic destinations and one international destination, serving a total of approximately 210 routes.
The key operational hubs for Super Air Jet include:
- Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta
- Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali
- Juanda International Airport (SUB) in Surabaya
- Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG) in Makassar
Among its most popular routes are Jakarta-Denpasar (Bali), Jakarta-Medan, and Jakarta-Padang, reflecting the significant demand for air travel between Indonesia’s major economic and tourism centers.
Quick Facts
- Founded: March 2021
- First Flight: August 6, 2021
- IATA Code: IU
- ICAO Code: SJV
- Call Sign: PROSPER
- Fleet Size: 61 aircraft (as of 2025)
- Aircraft Type: Airbus A320 family
- Number of Destinations: 36 (35 domestic, 1 international)
- Number of Routes: Approximately 210
- Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia
- Business Model: Ultra-low-cost carrier
- Target Market: Millennials and budget-conscious travelers
Service and Business Model
Super Air Jet operates as an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), offering base fares that include only the most essential elements of air travel. The airline explicitly targets millennials as its primary market, a strategy reflected in its marketing, service design, and aircraft interiors.
The airline employs an “unbundled” fare structure where the base ticket price typically only includes the seat and allowance for a small personal item. Additional services such as checked baggage, seat selection, in-flight meals, and extra legroom are available at additional costs. This approach allows passengers to pay only for the services they need, keeping base fares as low as possible.
One distinctive feature of Super Air Jet is its crew uniform. Unlike many airlines that opt for bright, attention-grabbing colors, Super Air Jet chose khaki as the primary color for its “Super Crew” uniforms. According to company statements, this color choice reflects a philosophical connection to the earth and the typical skin tone of people in Indonesia and across Asia.
The airline’s seating configuration is designed to maximize capacity, with high-density layouts that allow for more passengers per aircraft. While this reduces per-passenger costs, reviews indicate that comfort may be compromised, particularly on longer flights.
Contact Information
For customers needing to reach Super Air Jet, several contact options are available:
Headquarters Address:
Lion Air Tower Lantai 1
Jalan Gajah Mada no 7
Jakarta Pusat 10130
Indonesia
Group Booking Services:
- For bookings within Indonesia (IDR): groupbooking@superairjet.com
- For international bookings (USD): intgroupbooking@superairjet.com
- For bookings from Australia and New Zealand: ausnzbooking@superairjet.com
- For bookings from India: indiabooking@superairjet.com
The airline maintains a customer service presence through its website (www.superairjet.com) and social media channels including Facebook (@SuperAirJet) and Twitter/X (@SuperAirJet).
For general inquiries and assistance, the airline operates a help center at help.superairjet.com, though many passengers report that their most reliable contact method is through social media channels.
Future Outlook
As Super Air Jet continues to grow, several factors are likely to shape its trajectory in the coming years. The airline has demonstrated remarkable fleet expansion in its first few years of operation, growing from just three aircraft at launch to 61 by 2025. This rapid growth suggests confidence in the market potential and the airline’s business model.
Indonesia, with its population of over 270 million spread across more than 17,000 islands, presents a natural environment for air travel growth. The country’s improving economic conditions, expanding middle class, and increasing youth mobility all create favorable conditions for an ultra-low-cost carrier targeting younger travelers.
Looking ahead, potential areas for expansion include:
- International Growth: While currently focused predominantly on domestic routes with just one international destination, Super Air Jet could follow the pattern of other successful LCCs by gradually expanding to nearby international markets in Southeast Asia.
- Digital Innovation: Given its focus on millennial travelers, continued investment in digital services, mobile apps, and seamless booking experiences will likely be prioritized.
- Fleet Modernization: While the airline currently operates used A320 aircraft, future fleet plans might include newer, more fuel-efficient models like the A320neo, which would reduce operating costs and environmental impact.
- Enhanced Ancillary Revenue Streams: Developing more sophisticated ancillary service offerings beyond basic add-ons could provide additional revenue opportunities without raising base fares.
Challenges facing the airline include intense competition in Indonesia’s aviation market, which features established players like Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, Lion Air, and Wings Air. Additionally, operating in Indonesia presents unique geographic and infrastructural challenges, with airports of varying capabilities spread across the vast archipelago.
Despite these challenges, Super Air Jet’s targeted approach, lean operational model, and backing from experienced aviation investors position it well to continue growing in Indonesia’s dynamic aviation landscape. As air travel continues to recover and expand in the post-pandemic era, the airline’s focus on cost-conscious younger travelers may prove to be a winning strategy in one of Asia’s most promising aviation markets.
Keyword: TopAirlines