Meet Our Team of Aviation and Luxury Experts
The heart of Lombok Heli Tour is our people. We have assembled a team of dedicated professionals whose expertise in aviation, luxury hospitality, and local Lombok culture is second to none. Each member is committed to upholding our rigorous standards of safety and service, ensuring your aerial experience is not just a tour, but a cherished memory. Our credibility is built on the foundation of their experience, as detailed in our Editorial Standards.
Budi Santoso
Role: Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Credentials: MBA from INSEAD, 20+ years in Indonesian hospitality and logistics management with Juara Holding Group.
Bio: Budi is the visionary behind Lombok Heli Tour. With a career rooted in developing premium services across the archipelago, he saw the untapped potential for luxury aerial tourism in his native Lombok. Budi’s leadership ensures that the company operates at the intersection of operational excellence, five-star service, and a deep respect for local culture and environment. He oversees the strategic direction of the company, fostering key partnerships with organizations like the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism (Kemenparekraf) and leading luxury hotel groups.
Captain Iwan Kusuma
Role: Chief Pilot & Head of Flight Operations
Credentials: Indonesian ATPL(H), Bell H125 Type Rating, 12,000+ flight hours, Former Senior Captain at Pelita Air Service, DGCA Certified Flight Instructor.
Bio: Captain Iwan is the cornerstone of our safety and flight operations. With a distinguished career flying in some of Indonesia’s most challenging terrains, from the jungles of Papua to the volcanic peaks of Java, his experience is unparalleled. He is type-rated on the Bell H125 and is responsible for the rigorous training and continuous professional development of our pilot team. Captain Iwan personally vets every flight path for safety and scenic value, ensuring our tours of Rinjani and the Gili Islands are both breathtaking and executed with military precision.
Dewi Lestari
Role: Head of Guest Experience
Credentials: Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS), 15 years of experience in luxury resort management with Aman Resorts and The Ritz-Carlton.
Bio: Dewi orchestrates every detail of the client journey, from the initial inquiry to the post-flight farewell. Her background in world-class luxury hospitality means she anticipates needs before they arise. Dewi and her team personalize each Lombok heli tour, arranging everything from gourmet catering with local delicacies to seamless ground transfers and special requests for proposals or aerial photography sessions. She is the reason our service feels less like a transaction and more like being hosted by a trusted friend with impeccable taste.
Agung Pratama
Role: Lead Aerial Photographer & Content Specialist
Credentials: Certified Drone Pilot (APDI), Contributor to National Geographic Indonesia and DestinAsian Magazine.
Bio: Agung is the eye in the sky who captures the magic of Lombok for our clients and our brand. An accomplished photographer and videographer, he specializes in aerial imaging and understands the unique interplay of light, landscape, and altitude. Agung advises clients on the best times and routes for photographic expeditions, from capturing the sunrise over Rinjani to documenting the vibrant coral reefs of Gili Trawangan from above. His work ensures that the memories of your flight last a lifetime and his expertise informs the visual guides we produce.
Rizky Firmansyah
Role: Director of Safety & Compliance
Credentials: Certified Safety Management Systems (SMS) Auditor, Former Aviation Safety Inspector for the Indonesian DGCA.
Bio: Rizky is our unwavering guardian of safety and regulatory adherence. Having spent over a decade with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, he possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of Indonesian aviation law and best practices. He manages our Safety Management System, conducts regular internal audits of our aircraft, crew, and procedures, and liaises with regulatory bodies like AirNav Indonesia and BASARNAS to ensure our protocols are not just compliant, but set the industry standard. His work is the invisible foundation upon which every single one of our safe and successful flights is built.
Continue exploring Lombok Heli Tour:
Our Lombok Heli Tour Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
Imagine the gentle thrum of rotor blades as you ascend, the emerald rice paddies of Lombok shrinking beneath you, giving way to an unparalleled panorama of volcanic peaks and turquoise coastlines. This seamless ascent into luxury is not merely a technical feat; it is the culmination of meticulous planning and profound expertise from a team dedicated to elevating every moment of your journey.
The architects of your aerial journey
Beyond the visionary leadership of Budi, the precision of your Lombok heli tour is entrusted to our elite flight operations team. Our pilots are not just aviators; they are seasoned explorers of Indonesia’s skies, boasting an intimate knowledge of Lombok’s unique topography and weather patterns. Each pilot holds extensive international certifications, complemented by rigorous local training that ensures mastery over the archipelago’s diverse airspaces. Collectively, our flight crew boasts over 20,000 flight hours across diverse Indonesian terrains, including the challenging volcanic peaks and coastal currents surrounding Lombok, guaranteeing a smooth and supremely safe passage.
Supporting every flight is our dedicated ground crew and maintenance engineers, whose commitment to safety is absolute. Operating from our state-of-the-art hangar facilities, they adhere to the strictest global aviation standards, conducting exhaustive pre-flight checks and routine maintenance. This behind-the-scenes precision ensures our fleet of modern helicopters is always in peak condition, ready to deliver an experience that is as reliable as it is breathtaking. From flight planning to air traffic coordination, every detail is meticulously managed to create a flawless aerial ballet.
Crafting bespoke experiences: Beyond the flight
The essence of luxury travel lies in personalization, and our dedicated concierge team excels at crafting itineraries that transcend the ordinary. These aren’t just tour planners; they are experience designers, fluent in multiple languages and deeply attuned to the nuances of discerning travelers’ desires. From arranging private beach landings with gourmet picnics prepared by a Michelin-starred chef to coordinating exclusive access to hidden waterfalls or traditional Sasak villages, they transform aspirations into reality. Our concierge team has orchestrated over 500 unique itineraries, each meticulously tailored to individual preferences, ensuring every journey is a distinct and cherished narrative.
Our commitment to authentic luxury extends to the local expertise embedded within our team. We believe that true immersion comes from genuine connection, which is why our local guides and cultural ambassadors are integral to your experience. These individuals, deeply rooted in Lombok’s vibrant culture, offer insights that go beyond guidebooks. They share stories, traditions, and introduce you to the island’s warmest hospitality. Whether it’s a private audience with a local artisan or an impromptu visit to a bustling morning market, their presence ensures your aerial adventure is enriched with meaningful cultural encounters, turning moments into memories.
A commitment to sustainable luxury
As stewards of Lombok’s pristine environment and vibrant communities, our team is deeply committed to sustainable luxury tourism. We recognize the privilege of operating in such a magnificent natural setting and strive to ensure our operations leave a positive, lasting impact. This philosophy is woven into every aspect of our business, from minimizing our carbon footprint through efficient flight planning and modern aircraft technology to actively participating in local conservation efforts. For instance, we collaborate with local initiatives focused on marine protection and reforestation, ensuring the breathtaking landscapes you admire from above remain preserved for future generations.
Our dedication to sustainability also extends to empowering the local economy. We firmly believe that responsible tourism should directly benefit the communities that host us. A minimum of 80% of our ground staff and local guides are proud residents of Lombok, directly contributing to the island’s economy and fostering a sense of shared ownership in our success. We prioritize sourcing local produce and services whenever possible, supporting small businesses and showcasing the authentic flavors and craftsmanship of the island. This holistic approach ensures that your Lombok heli tour is not just an indulgent escape, but also a conscious choice that contributes to the island’s enduring beauty and prosperity.