High-speed wing-in-ground craft promises faster, premium travel across key Southeast Asian routes
A new chapter in regional maritime travel is taking shape as Singapore prepares to introduce a high-speed vessel that blurs the line between aircraft and ferry, dramatically cutting travel time to Batam.
AirFish Debuts at Singapore Airshow
ST Engineering unveiled plans for the AirFish passenger service on Feb 3 during the opening day of the Singapore Airshow. The initiative will be led by ST Engineering AirX, a joint venture between ST Engineering and Singapore-based start-up Peluca, in partnership with ferry operator BatamFast. Operations on the Singapore–Batam route are expected to begin in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
Faster Cross-Border Travel
The AirFish Voyager will depart from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and reach Batam in approximately 25 minutes. This significantly shortens the typical 45-minute ferry journey. According to BatamFast general manager Chua Choon Leng, the time savings are a key selling point, particularly for travelers who value speed and convenience.
Premium Pricing and Target Market
With a capacity of just eight passengers compared to 200 to 300 on conventional ferries, AirFish fares are expected to be higher. ST Engineering AirX managing director Leon Tan said pricing will reflect the premium nature of the service, targeting resort visitors and business travelers heading to Batam’s industrial parks. Operational details such as fares and trip frequency are still being finalized.
Advanced Design and Performance
The AirFish Voyager is a wing-in-ground craft measuring 17 meters long and 15 meters wide. It skims above the water using ground effect, allowing it to travel at speeds of up to 100 knots, or about 185 kmh. This is more than three times faster than most fast ferries, which typically cruise at around 30 knots. The craft has a range of up to 300 nautical miles and carries two crew members.
Flexible Infrastructure and Emergency Use
One advantage of the AirFish is its minimal infrastructure requirements. Boarding and disembarking can be handled using simple floating platforms, making it adaptable to various marinas and ports. ST Engineering is also exploring its use in medical evacuations and emergency response scenarios, adding a public safety dimension to the commercial service.
Regional Expansion Plans
Beyond Batam, BatamFast is studying potential AirFish routes to Tioman Island in Malaysia and Bawa, Telunas, and Bintan islands in Indonesia. Separately, ST Engineering will work with Wings Over Water Ferries to deploy up to four AirFish craft in India from late 2026, subject to local route approvals. Certification of the AirFish Voyager is expected by mid-2026, following collaboration with Bureau Veritas since 2024.
The planned AirFish service reflects how innovation is reshaping regional mobility, offering faster and more flexible connections across maritime borders. For Indonesia and Singapore, the project signals deeper transport integration, stronger tourism links, and new possibilities for business travel and emergency response across Southeast Asia.
Sources: Straits Times (2026)
Keywords: AirFish Voyager, Singapore Batam Route, ST Engineering AirX, Wing In Ground Craft, Southeast Asia Transport
