Congo to Purchase 5 Units of Indonesia-Made Aircraft

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian aerospace company, PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), signed a purchase agreement for 5 units of N219 aircraft with Setdco Group for the end user of the Democratic Republic of Congo Government. The deal was signed coinciding with the High-Level Forum on Multi-Stakeholder Partnership (HLF MSP) and the Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) 2024 in Nusa Dua, Bali. 

PTDI President Director, Gita Amperiawan, and Setdco Group CEO, Setiawan Djody, inked the purchase agreement. The signing was witnessed by the Minister of National Development Planning, Suharso Monoarfa, and Deputy for Economic Affairs of Bappenas, Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, at the Bali International Convention Center (BICC), The Westin Bali Resort, Nusa Dua, Bali, Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

“Congo has finally purchased 5 units of the Indonesian-made N219 Nurtanio aircraft," said Suharso Monoarfa as quoted from his statement, on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

Suharso said the Indonesian government also strives to exchange knowledge with Congo for future development. In this case, Indonesia will learn about natural resource management from the African country. 

PTDI, in a press release received by Tempo, said Africa has great potential for the aviation market with a significant need for regional aircraft that can operate at airports with less-than-optimal infrastructure. The PTDI-manufactured N219 aircraft is specifically designed for pioneer flights in strenuous terrain.

"We are targeting the N219 aircraft for the domestic and international market, especially in Asia Pacific and Africa. With the N219 aircraft, we provide aviation solutions to meet the needs of several African regions. This is also part of our commitment to support economic development by increasing connectivity between regions," said PTDI President Director Gita Amperiawan, in his statement on Tuesday.

PTDI expects the purchase agreement with Setdco Group to strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and countries in Africa and expand the company’s market share at the same time. 

On the same occasion, PTDI and AD Trade Belgium Company, partners of the Government of the Republic of Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo, signed a Framework Agreement for the procurement of 2 units of CN235-220 Military Transport aircraft for the Congolese Air Force, as well as a 4-Year Periodic Inspection maintenance contract for 2 units of CN235-220 aircraft belonging to the Senegalese Air Force.

The CN235-220 aircraft is one of PTDI's leading products. "PTDI has been exporting CN235 to African countries since the beginning of 2000, 1 for Burkina Faso, 1 for Guinea, and 3 for Senegal," said Gita.

Specifically for the N219 aircraft, TPDI has obtained a purchase agreement from the Ministry of Defense for the Indonesian Army. PTDI has also signed a Letter of Intent for 25 units of N219 aircraft for China.

AHMAD FIKRI

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