The Trial of The N219 Aircraft Officially Flew For The First Time and Was Inaugurated
After dimming in the 90s, the Indonesian aerospace industry has bounced back in 2017. Starting in 2011, Indonesian children who are members of the Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN) in collaboration with PT Dirgantara Indonesia made an aircraft, namely the N219.
According to Thomas Djamaluddin, Head of LAPAN, the N219 aircraft has special features. What's special is that all the structural designs are done by Indonesian people. Thomas added that the N219 is a sign of the revival of Indonesian aviation technology.
“Purely done by Indonesian engineers, there are no foreign consultants in it. With modern engineering techniques, everything is computerized to achieve high accuracy.
The N219 is a symbol of technological independence. In fact, we are able to make technology a national connectivity,” said Thomas.
After conducting various series of trials, the N219 aircraft officially flew for the first time and was inaugurated by President Jokowi. This project itself has cost an investment of Rp 827 billion.
So far, according to PT Dirgantara Indonesia's Aircraft Development Expert, Andi Alisjahbana, several parties have expressed interest in buying this aircraft.
“There are several airlines, small small airlines for charter. Then we don't want to publish it yet, but there is a lot of interest that reaches the regional governments as well, some governors have also stated that they want to buy it," said Andi Alisjahbana.
Meanwhile, according to the Production Director of PT DI, Arie Wibowo explained that after receiving a flightworthiness certificate from the Ministry of Transportation and a production certificate, the N219 aircraft is ready to enter the market and will be priced at USD 6 million or Rp. 83 billion.
He said this price is much cheaper when compared to similar aircraft such as the Canadian-made Twin Otter which is priced at USD 7-USD 8 million.
