Four N219 Aircraft Made by PTDI Booked by the Provincial Government of Aceh

BANDUNG - Four N219 aircraft made by PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) were ordered by the Aceh Provincial Government, where the aircraft will be used for the transportation of Acehnese citizens and rescue needs. The agreement to purchase four aircraft was carried out through the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Managing Director of PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero) Elfien Goentoro and the Acting Governor of Aceh Nova Iriansyah.

In addition, it was also agreed on the matter of Human Resource Development and Operation of Aceh's Air Transportation. The signing of the memorandum of understanding is a follow-up evaluation of the agreement that was carried out in 2018 ago.

"The Aceh Provincial Government is interested in buying four N219 aircraft with passenger, cargo and medical evacuation configurations," Alfin said in the Plenary Meeting Room, 9th Floor, PTDI Management Center Building, Jalan Pajajaran, Bandung City, Monday (12/09/2019).

PTDI and the Aceh Provincial Government, he said, also worked together in preparation for the operation of N219 aircraft in Aceh Province by utilizing the competencies of PTDI. "Our hope, the N219 aircraft can be immediately optimized for the function of the Government of Aceh to serve the people of Aceh, as well as encourage and improve accessibility and economic growth in the Aceh Province," Elfien said.

After this signing, PTDI and the Aceh Provincial Government will conduct a joint study of the plan to procure N219 aircraft. Also plans for developing human resources and operating Aceh air transportation.

While discussions on the technical and non-technical aspects of procurement of N219 aircraft will take place after the issuance of the N219 Type Certificate of aircraft by the Directorate of Airworthiness and Aircraft Operation (DKPPU) Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia.

"Thank you for ordering domestic products. So that products can be used on the westernmost island of Indonesia, Aceh. Indeed, from the planning side, this is more functional for Papua and Aceh," he explained.

He admitted, the N219 aircraft was still in the process of certification and it was hoped that soon it would get a certificate from the Ministry of Transportation. "Now, I am busy. So, I hope that I can immediately serve the people of Aceh," he added.

Meanwhile, Acting Governor of the Aceh Government, Nova Iriansyah, said that the order for this pioneer aircraft was to fulfill connectivity in Aceh. Aceh's total area is 59,000 square km. 180 islands with 44 inhabited islands. So that relations between regions become a challenge for Aceh. For example from Aceh to Singkil 15 hours by car.

"We choose cooperation with PTDI, because we believe this aircraft has advantages. Hope PTDI can meet the pioneering aircraft. Our target in 2022 can be four aircraft for connectivity in Aceh," he said.

A number of parties explained Nova, many parties had built an air bridge, but stopped. At present there are only five pioneering airports with a frequency of 1 to 2 per week. While seven city district airports are ineffective. "Expect us, after this cooperation, it can provide multiplayer effects for the people of Aceh," he added.

It is known, the N219 Nurtanio aircraft is a passenger aircraft with a capacity of 19 passengers with two turboprop engines which refers to CASR Part 23 regulations. The idea and design of the aircraft were developed by PTDI with program development carried out by PTDI and LAPAN.

The N219 Nurtanio aircraft was basically developed to meet the needs of national air transportation in pioneer areas, and the N219 Nurtanio aircraft could be used for a variety of needs, such as passenger transportation, freight transportation or air ambulances.

N219 Nurtanio is designed according to the needs of the community, especially in pioneer areas, making it easy for take-off and landing on short and unprepared platforms, such as grass or rocks.

The N219 Nurtanio aircraft which on August 16 2017 has conducted its first flight test, until now is still undergoing a series of certification testing. The certification process is an important process to guarantee security and safety because it will be used by customers and the general public.

The N219 aircraft will be produced in stages. Initially 6 units will be produced using existing production capacity, then by running an automation system in the manufacturing process, gradually the delivery capability will continue to increase until it reaches 36 units per year.
(akr)