Whitesky Group Prepares 100 Pilots for Emerging eVTOL Aircraft Industry

TANGERANG, JakartaWeekly.com — Whitesky Group has begun preparing human resources to support the development of Indonesia’s electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) industry. As part of this initiative, the company invited 100 pilots to attend a forum introducing eVTOL aircraft technology at Cengkareng Heliport, Tangerang, on Wednesday (November 11, 2026).

Whitesky Group Founder and CEO Denon Prawiraatmadja said the development of eVTOL technology was part of the company’s transformation from helicopter operations toward a future air mobility ecosystem.

“What we aim to develop is not just an aircraft fleet, but also infrastructure, operational capabilities, and human resources that can generate economic value for Indonesia,” Denon said.

The forum, titled Beyond the Horizon: Shaping the Next Era of Aviation, brought together pilots and technology developer VELA. The event aimed to introduce eVTOL aircraft systems, operational characteristics, and the competencies that may be required in the next generation of the aviation industry.

VELA Head of Test Heru Riadhi explained that the development of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is changing the skill requirements for pilots, particularly in automation systems, energy management, and digital aviation technology.

“Future pilots need to have a strong foundation in aviation while also understanding automation, aircraft systems management, and decision-making in increasingly complex operating environments,” Heru said.

Developing these competencies is part of Whitesky Group’s preparations for the growth of Indonesia’s eVTOL industry. The company considers professional workforce readiness an important factor in ensuring that the expansion of the AAM ecosystem can deliver broader economic benefits.

Beyond pilots, workforce requirements in the industry include technicians, engineers, aircraft maintenance personnel, and professionals in aviation infrastructure and operations.

Whitesky Group has outlined plans to develop a fleet of up to 200 eVTOL aircraft, with a pipeline valued at approximately Rp21 trillion over the next decade. The plan is projected to potentially create and support more than 1,000 jobs.

The target of developing up to 200 eVTOL aircraft by 2036 is intended to support potential urban mobility services, regional connectivity, and various other air transportation needs.

Whitesky Group has begun laying the groundwork for this business expansion through its experience in the helicopter industry, aviation infrastructure development, and collaborations with several eVTOL technology developers.

The company said fleet development would be carried out in stages, taking into account technological readiness, certification, regulations, financing, and market demand.

Through human resource development, investment, technology, and infrastructure, Whitesky Group aims to play a role in building a new air mobility ecosystem in Indonesia.