An N-219 aircraft lands at Husein Sastranegara Air Force Base in Bandung, West Java, after a test flight.(Photo: thejakartapost.com)Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia’s state-owned aircraft manufacturer PT DirgantaraIndonesia (PT DI) plans to begin mass-production and export of its N-219aircraft by the middle of this year to meet growing domestic and global demand.
PT DI president and director Elfien Goentoro said on February 7 that thecompact airplane is designed to improve accessibility, which would benefit thedevelopment of infrastructure and tourism in remote Indonesian regions that areinaccessible to commercial planes.
Talking to Indonesian media after asession with the House of Representatives Commission VII, which overseesenergy, research and technology, Elfien said once his firm has received a certificate from the Indonesian TransportationMinistry, hopefully by mid-2020, it will begin production of the N-219.
As a multifunctional aircraft, the N-219 is capable of accessing remoteareas with narrow airstrips due to its size. Itis a 19-seat utility aircraft with ample cargo space that can carry 2.3 tonnes.
The N219 is also ready for export, Elfien said, adding that PT DI hasreceived foreign orders for 165 units, which will be delivered as early as2024./.
VNA
