Boosts Perintis Flights, Aceh Orders 4 Nurtanio Planes

Bandung - Aceh Provincial Government (Pemprov) has ordered 4 units of Nurtanio (N219) aircraft produced by PT Dirgantara Indonesia (DI). It is expected that 4 units of aircraft by the nation's children can air 2022.

The signing of the agreement between the Aceh Provincial Government and PT DI by Acting Governor of Aceh Nova Iriansyah and Managing Director of PT DI Elfien Goentoro.

Nova said that the Aceh government was indeed in need of a pioneering aircraft to increase inter-island air transportation facilities. Given the current frequency of air flights in Aceh is still minimal.
"At present Aceh only has 5 (pioneering) airports which in one week the frequency is only 2 flights. We want to increase that, so that connectivity (air) between regions becomes a priority," Nova said on the sidelines of the MoU at the office of PT DI, Bandung City , Monday (9/12/2019).
He claimed to be interested in Nurtanio's aircraft (N219) because it has advantages that are in line with Aceh's geography. Bearing in mind, Aceh has 180 islands, 44 of which are inhabited.

He shared a little of his experience when working visits to a number of areas in Aceh. Mileage by land from downtown Banda Aceh can reach 15 hours. This condition certainly wastes a lot of time and energy.

"This is a challenge for us to connect between the islands. We really know the advantages of this N219 aircraft. We hope to make connectivity in Aceh more optimal later," he explained.

He said he would order four Nurtanio (N219) aircraft targeted to be operational in 2022. From this cooperation, the benefits would also be in the form of human resource development and Aceh air transportation operations.

"Of course, from this cooperation we can get many benefits. Not only from aircraft procurement, but also the development of human resources and the operation of air transportation as well. So, Aceh's aerospace can also develop later," Nova said.
Managing Director of PT DI Elfien Goentoro said that at this time the company was still carrying out the certification process for Nurtanio (N219) aircraft. The flight test process is still ongoing to ensure passenger comfort and safety.

He hopes that the Nurtanio aircraft ordered by the Aceh Government will be utilized optimally to improve connectivity between islands. Thus, impacting economic growth in Aceh,

"It is hoped that the N219 aircraft will be able to optimize its function by the Government of Aceh to serve the people of Aceh, as well as to encourage and increase accessibility and economic growth in the Aceh region," Elfien said.