Travel between Singapore and Batam, traditionally served by conventional ferries, could see a new transportation option in the coming years with the proposed introduction of AirFish, a sea-gliding vehicle designed to operate above the water surface.
The plan was announced by ST Engineering AirX, a joint venture between Singapore-based technology firm ST Engineering and startup Peluca, in collaboration with ferry operator BatamFast. The announcement was made during the Singapore Airshow 2026.
According to the companies, the proposed service aims to offer a faster alternative to existing ferry routes.
Operations are targeted for the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approval, final testing, and certification.
AirFish is designed to take off from the sea surface and travel using the wing-in-ground effect, which allows the vehicle to glide just above the water at higher speeds than conventional vessels.
AirFish Specifications and Regional Expansion Plans
The AirFish vehicle is designed to carry between eight and ten passengers, including crew. It is approximately 17 metres long and 15 metres wide, with an operational range of more than 300 nautical miles. The vehicle is currently under assembly in Singapore.
ST Engineering AirX stated that the Singapore–Batam route is intended to serve as the initial deployment. Once operational, the company plans to expand services to other destinations in Southeast Asia.
The AirFish approval process has been underway with the classification society Bureau Veritas since 2024. The process covers safety standards, design verification, and operational certification.
Beyond Southeast Asia, ST Engineering AirX is also preparing collaborations with other operators. One of them is Wings Over Water Ferries (WOW), which plans to introduce AirFish routes to India by the end of 2026.
The partnership between ST Engineering AirX and BatamFast is presented as part of a broader regional connectivity initiative that seeks to integrate advanced maritime technology into cross-border transportation.
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Local Government Says No Official Proposal Received
Despite the announcement, the Riau Islands Provincial Government has stated that the AirFish operation remains at the discussion stage and has not been formally proposed at the regional level.
The Head of the Riau Islands Provincial Tourism Office, Hasan, said there has been no official cooperation or permit application related to the AirFish operation in the region.
“AirFish, which is rumoured to be able to travel from Singapore to Batam in around 25 minutes, has not yet collaborated with the provincial government. There have been no official discussions to date,” Hasan said on Friday (February 6, 2026), as reported by Bisnis.com.
He added that the technology requires careful assessment before any approval can be granted.
“AirFish technology is still relatively new and requires in-depth study and a strict licensing process, particularly regarding safety, ports, and cross-border regulations,” Hasan said.
Authorities confirmed that any future operation would need to comply with Indonesian maritime, aviation, and international transport regulations before receiving approval.
Cover: Batamnews
