About Kalstar Aviation
Kalstar Aviation is an Indonesian regional airline that operated under IATA code KD and ICAO code KLS. Founded in December 1993 in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, by Andi Masyhur as Kalstar Tour-Travel Co., Ltd, the airline commenced scheduled passenger operations in November 2007. Kalstar Aviation's main hub was Berau Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) in East Kalimantan, with additional operations based at Samarinda Temindung Airport and other airports across Kalimantan.
The airline focused on serving domestic routes across Indonesia, with a particular emphasis on connecting cities and towns within Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo). Kalstar Aviation played an important role in providing air connectivity to remote and underserved communities in Kalimantan, where limited road and rail infrastructure makes air travel essential. The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation suspended the airline's Air Operators Certificate on 30 September 2017 due to technical and financial issues, and the carrier has not resumed operations since.
Airline Overview and History
Kalstar Aviation has a history spanning over two decades in Indonesian aviation. Key milestones include:
- December 1993 — Founded as Kalstar Tour-Travel Co., Ltd in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, by Andi Masyhur
- November 2007 — Commenced scheduled passenger flight operations
- September 2008 — Purchased first aircraft, an ATR 42
- 2010 — Expanded fleet to three ATR 42 aircraft
- 2013 — Carried over 1 million passengers in a single year, marking a significant growth milestone
- 2014–2016 — Expanded route network and introduced jet aircraft including the Embraer E195
- 30 September 2017 — Air Operators Certificate suspended by the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation due to technical and financial deficiencies
At its peak, Kalstar Aviation was a significant regional carrier in Kalimantan, serving multiple destinations and providing vital air links to communities across Indonesian Borneo. The airline's suspension reflected broader challenges faced by smaller Indonesian carriers in maintaining operational and financial standards required by regulators.
Fleet and Aircraft
Before its suspension, Kalstar Aviation operated a mixed fleet of turboprop and jet aircraft suited to the diverse requirements of its domestic route network:
- ATR 42-500 — Turboprop aircraft used for shorter routes and airports with limited runway length across Kalimantan
- ATR 72-600 — Higher-capacity turboprop used on busier regional routes
- Embraer E195 — Regional jet deployed on higher-demand routes between major Indonesian cities
The ATR turboprop aircraft were particularly well-suited to Kalimantan operations, where many airports have shorter runways and limited facilities. The Embraer E195 provided jet-speed service on trunk routes. All aircraft were maintained in accordance with Indonesian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulations.
Top Flight Routes
Before its suspension, Kalstar Aviation served a network of domestic routes primarily within Kalimantan and connecting to major Indonesian cities. Key routes included:
- Samarinda to Tarakan — Connecting East Kalimantan cities along the coast
- Samarinda to Nunukan — Serving the border region with Malaysia in North Kalimantan
- Balikpapan to Berau — Linking the oil city to the regency capital and gateway to Derawan Islands
- Jakarta to Balikpapan — Trunk route connecting the Indonesian capital to East Kalimantan
- Surabaya to Balikpapan — Connecting Java to Kalimantan
For Malaysian travellers interested in exploring Indonesian Borneo, Traveloka offers convenient flights to Kalimantan destinations:
Search on Traveloka for the latest available flights and fares to Indonesian destinations.
Baggage Allowance and Policies
Baggage policies for Kalstar Aviation flights were based on standard Indonesian domestic aviation norms. Below is a general guide.
Cabin Baggage
- Weight limit: 7 kg per passenger
- Maximum dimensions: 40 x 30 x 20 cm (for turboprop aircraft) or 55 x 40 x 20 cm (for jet aircraft)
- Additional item: One small personal item permitted
Checked Baggage
- Free allowance: 15 to 20 kg per passenger depending on fare type and aircraft
- Maximum weight per piece: 32 kg
- Excess baggage: Available at additional cost per kilogram at the airport counter
Passengers travelling on turboprop aircraft (ATR 42/72) should be aware that baggage capacity may be more limited compared to jet aircraft due to cargo hold size restrictions.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
- Dangerous goods, flammable materials, and sharp objects are prohibited in both cabin and checked baggage
- Lithium batteries and power banks must be carried in cabin baggage only
- Oversized items may need to be shipped separately as cargo
Check-in Guide
Airport Counter Check-in
Airport counter check-in was available at all departure airports served by Kalstar Aviation. Recommended arrival times were:
- Domestic flights: At least 2 hours before departure
Passengers were required to present a valid government-issued ID such as KTP or passport along with their booking confirmation at the check-in counter.
Online Check-in
Kalstar Aviation offered limited online check-in services through its website. Availability depended on the departure airport and route. Airport counter check-in remained the primary option for most passengers.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
Economy Class
Kalstar Aviation operated an all-economy cabin configuration across its fleet. The cabin featured:
- 2-2 seating on ATR turboprop aircraft with comfortable legroom
- 2-2 seating on the Embraer E195 for regional jet comfort
- Window and aisle seat options on all aircraft types
In-Flight Meals and Beverages
Complimentary light refreshments including snacks and beverages were provided on most Kalstar Aviation flights. Service varied by flight duration, with longer routes receiving more substantial meals. The airline offered halal meal options in accordance with Indonesian standards.
In-Flight Entertainment
In-flight entertainment systems were not installed on Kalstar Aviation aircraft. Passengers were encouraged to bring personal devices for entertainment during flights.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
Travelling with Children and Infants
- Children (2–11 years): Required their own seat and ticket, must be accompanied by an adult
- Infants (under 2 years): Could travel on an accompanying adult's lap with a reduced infant fare
- Required documents: Valid birth certificate or identity document for all child and infant passengers
Pregnant Passengers
- Passengers in early to mid stages of pregnancy could fly without restriction
- A medical fitness-to-fly certificate was required for passengers beyond 28 weeks of pregnancy
- Travel beyond 36 weeks of pregnancy was not permitted
Passengers Requiring Special Assistance
Kalstar Aviation provided assistance for passengers with reduced mobility or special needs:
- Wheelchair assistance at check-in and boarding
- Priority seating arrangements
- Cabin crew assistance during the flight
Passengers requiring special assistance were advised to notify the airline at least 48 hours before departure.
Unaccompanied Minors
- Unaccompanied minor services were available on select routes for children aged 5 to 12 years
- Parents or guardians were required to complete documentation at check-in
Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy
Rescheduling Flights
To reschedule a Kalstar Aviation flight booked through Traveloka:
- Open the Traveloka app or website and go to My Booking
- Select the booking you wish to modify
- Choose the reschedule option and select a new flight
- Pay any applicable rescheduling fees or fare differences
Cancellations and Refunds
Refund eligibility depends on your ticket type:
- Flexible fares: Eligible for full or partial refund
- Promotional fares: May be subject to cancellation fees
- Non-refundable tickets: May be converted into travel credit for future bookings
Refund processing typically takes 7 to 30 business days depending on the payment method.
Why Book Kalstar Aviation Flights on Traveloka
Booking flights through Traveloka offers several advantages for travellers exploring Indonesia:
- Competitive pricing — Access exclusive deals and promotional fares on Indonesian domestic flights
- Easy comparison — Sort and filter flights by price, departure time, duration, and stops
- Flexible payment — Pay with credit or debit cards, bank transfers, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, or instalment plans
- Instant e-ticket — Receive your booking confirmation immediately via email and the Traveloka app
- 24/7 customer support — Multilingual support team available for booking issues and travel queries
- Loyalty rewards — Earn points, enjoy cashback, and access member-exclusive deals
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights on Traveloka
Use these strategies to secure the best fares on Indonesian domestic flights:
- Book early — Ticket prices generally increase closer to the departure date
- Be flexible with dates — Use Traveloka's fare calendar to compare prices across different days
- Fly midweek — Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to offer lower fares than weekends
- Set Price Alerts — Get notified instantly when fares drop on your preferred route
- Check promotions — Visit Traveloka's promo page regularly for flash sales and exclusive promo codes
- Travel off-peak — Avoid Lebaran, school holidays, and Christmas/New Year periods for lower fares
- Bundle your trip — Book flights and hotels together for additional savings
- Compare airlines — Search across multiple carriers to find the most affordable option for your Indonesian route
How to Book Flight Tickets on Traveloka
Follow these steps to book your flight on Traveloka:
- Visit traveloka.com or open the Traveloka app and navigate to the Flights section
- Enter your departure city and destination, select your travel dates, and specify the number of passengers
- Tap the search button to view all available flights for your route
- Sort results by price, departure time, or duration and select your preferred flight
- Enter passenger details — full name (as on ID or passport), date of birth, nationality, and contact information
- Add optional extras such as additional baggage, seat selection, or travel insurance
- Review your booking summary including total fare, taxes, and add-ons
- Choose your preferred payment method — credit card, debit card, bank transfer, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, or ShopeePay
- Complete the transaction and receive your e-ticket instantly via email and the Traveloka app
Save or print your e-ticket for reference at the airport, and you are all set to explore Indonesia.