Meet Our Team of Aviation and Luxury Experts
Meet Our Team of Aviation and Luxury Experts
The heart of Labuan Bajo Private Jet is our people. Our team is a unique blend of seasoned Indonesian aviation professionals, international luxury hospitality experts, and on-the-ground Flores specialists. This combination of global standards and local knowledge allows us to deliver a service that is both world-class and authentically Indonesian. With decades of combined experience, our leadership ensures that every flight is safe, every detail is perfect, and every client experience is exceptional.
Leadership
Budi Santoso
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Credentials: IATA Certified Aviation Management Professional, Former Executive at Garuda Indonesia
Budi is the visionary behind Labuan Bajo Private Jet. With over 25 years in the Indonesian aviation industry, including a senior role at the national carrier, Garuda Indonesia, Budi possesses an unparalleled understanding of the country’s complex regulatory and operational landscape. He has cultivated deep relationships with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and AirNav Indonesia, ensuring our operations are always smooth and compliant. His passion for his home country and his frustration with the logistical barriers to its most beautiful regions inspired him to create a service that offers seamless access to Flores for a global clientele. Budi’s leadership is guided by a commitment to showcasing the best of Indonesia through flawless service and operational excellence.
Dewi Lestari
Director of Operations
Credentials: Certified Ground Operations Manager, Safety Management Systems (SMS) Specialist
Dewi is the logistical mastermind ensuring every aspect of our ground and air operations runs with precision. Her career began at major international hubs like Jakarta (CGK) and Bali (DPS), where she managed complex ground handling for a multitude of international airlines. She brought this extensive experience to Labuan Bajo, developing bespoke FBO and VIP handling protocols specifically for the unique environment of Komodo Airport (LBJ). Dewi is an expert in Safety Management Systems and personally oversees the continuous training of our ground crew, ensuring we not only meet but exceed all safety and service standards. Her meticulous planning is the reason our clients experience a seamless transition from aircraft to their onward journey.
Michael Chen
Head of Client Relations & Bespoke Experiences
Credentials: Over 15 years in luxury hospitality with Aman Resorts and Four Seasons
Michael brings a world of luxury hospitality experience to our team. Having managed client experiences at some of the most exclusive resorts across Asia, including Amankila and the Four Seasons Sayan in Bali, he understands the expectations of the ultra-high-net-worth traveler. Michael and his team are the primary point of contact for our clients, translating their desires into perfectly executed itineraries. He doesn’t just arrange flights; he curates experiences. Whether it’s sourcing a rare vintage for in-flight dining, coordinating with a superyacht chef, or arranging a private audience with a local cultural leader, Michael’s network and attention to detail are second to none.
Captain Iwan Setiawan
Head of Aviation Safety & Standards
Credentials: Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), 15,000+ flight hours, Type-Rated on Gulfstream G650 & Bombardier Global Express
Captain Iwan is the guardian of our safety culture. A highly respected veteran pilot in the Indonesian aviation community, he brings a wealth of experience from both commercial and private aviation. He is responsible for vetting every aircraft and crew member in our network, ensuring they meet our stringent safety and maintenance standards, which go above and beyond DGCA regulations. Captain Iwan also leads our crew training programs, focusing on decision-making, emergency procedures, and the specific challenges of flying in the Lesser Sunda Islands region. His leadership provides our clients with the ultimate assurance that their safety is in the most capable hands.
Rina Wulandari
Sustainability & Community Officer
Credentials: M.Sc. in Sustainable Tourism Management, Certified HPI (Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia) Guide
Rina ensures that our operations contribute positively to the delicate ecosystem and local communities of Flores. With a background in marine conservation and sustainable tourism, she develops and manages our environmental and social initiatives. Rina leads our partnerships with organizations like the Komodo Survival Program and The Nature Conservancy Indonesia. She also oversees our local sourcing program and community fund, ensuring that our presence provides tangible benefits to the people of Labuan Bajo and surrounding villages. Her work is integral to our identity, reflecting our belief that true luxury is responsible and regenerative. Read more about our commitment on our sustainability page.
Our team’s collective expertise is governed by a strict set of principles, which you can explore further on our Editorial Standards and Our Methodology pages. To engage with our experts, please request a charter quote.
Continue exploring Labuan Bajo Private Jet:
Our Labuan Bajo Private Jet Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
Our bespoke journey architects
Imagine the turquoise expanse of the Komodo National Park unfurling beneath your private jet, a sight reserved for those who seek the extraordinary. At Labuan Bajo Private Jet, our expertise extends far beyond the tarmac. Our dedicated team of journey architects understands that true luxury lies in the details and the seamless execution of your desires. These specialists, drawing from years of experience in high-end travel, meticulously craft bespoke itineraries that transform a simple flight into an integral part of an unforgettable adventure. Whether your passion lies in exploring the vibrant underwater world, encountering the majestic Komodo dragons on Rinca Island, or discovering secluded pink sand beaches, our architects ensure every moment is thoughtfully planned.
They work closely with each client, understanding individual preferences for pace, privacy, and passion. This personalized approach means that from the moment you consider a trip to the moment you depart, your journey is uniquely yours. We don’t just book flights; we curate experiences, arranging everything from luxury yacht charters to private villa stays, ensuring a flawless transition from air to sea to land. Our team takes pride in anticipating needs, often suggesting hidden gems or exclusive access opportunities that elevate your Labuan Bajo experience beyond the ordinary tourist path.
Seamless operations, unparalleled safety
Behind every effortless arrival and departure is a robust operational framework and an unwavering commitment to safety. Our operational team, comprising highly certified pilots, experienced cabin crew, meticulous ground staff, and dedicated maintenance technicians, works in concert to uphold the highest international aviation standards. Each pilot, with an average of over 8,000 flight hours, undergoes rigorous recurrent training, ensuring proficiency with the latest navigation and safety protocols. We operate a modern fleet, meticulously maintained well above industry requirements, boasting an average dispatch reliability of 99.8% – a testament to our operational excellence and dedication to punctuality.
Discretion and comfort are paramount aboard our private jets. Our cabin crew, trained in elite hospitality, anticipates your needs with an intuitive grace, ensuring your in-flight experience is as serene and productive as you desire. From gourmet catering tailored to your dietary preferences to a quiet environment conducive to work or relaxation, every aspect is designed for your utmost comfort. Our ground support team orchestrates smooth transfers, baggage handling, and customs clearance, making your journey through Labuan Bajo and beyond utterly seamless, allowing you to focus purely on the adventure ahead.
Deep roots in Flores: Local expertise, global reach
Our connection to Flores runs deep, extending beyond logistical efficiency to an intimate understanding of this remarkable region. Our on-the-ground Flores specialists are not just guides; they are local ambassadors, passionate about sharing the authentic beauty and culture of their home. This indigenous insight allows us to unlock experiences inaccessible to others, from coordinating private visits to traditional villages to discovering pristine, uninhabited islands perfect for a secluded picnic. For instance, our local specialists have identified over 30 secluded dive sites beyond the common routes, offering unparalleled underwater encounters.
We are proud partners with leading luxury resorts and bespoke yacht charter operators across the Labuan Bajo region, ensuring that your journey continues with the same level of exclusivity and comfort upon arrival. This network, combined with our nuanced understanding of local regulations and environmental considerations, means we can navigate the complexities of travel in a protected area like the Komodo National Park with unparalleled ease and responsibility. Labuan Bajo is just a 90-minute flight from Denpasar, Bali, making this remote paradise surprisingly accessible for those who choose the speed and luxury of a private jet, enabling more time for exploration and less for transit.