It is (the reason) why many countries are pleased (to cooperate) with us because PTDI can be a one-stop service for them.
Bandung (ANTARA) - State-run aerospace company PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) exported an NC212i aircraft for the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation (DRRAA) of the Government of Thailand, estimated to arrive in Thailand on August 3, 2022.

Director for Finance, Risk Management, and Human Resources of PTDI, Wildan Arief, noted in a statement on Monday that the aircraft had taken off from the Husein Sastranegara Airport, Bandung City, West Java Province, Indonesia, for the Nakhon Sawan Air Base, Muang, Nakhon Sawan, Thailand.

Before reaching its final destination, it would transit at the Sultan Syarif Qasim Airport, Pekanbaru City, Riau Province, Indonesia, as well as the Hat Yai International Airport, Thailand.

The plane, with tail number AX-2129, was piloted by Captain Esther Gayatri Saleh as the pilot in command and Captain Adi Budi as co-pilot.

The director noted that the NC212i plane has diverse capabilities.

"The plane we deliver today is a troop transport (aircraft) that can be modified (to produce artificial rain)," he stated.

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As quoted from the statement, the NC212i is assessed to be ideal for the geographical conditions in Thailand. The N219 is the other type of aircraft that is also deemed suitable for the landscape and is expected to be able to become PTDI’s next deal with the country.

"We do not only provide and sell aircraft but also (give) delivery and after-sales services, along with support for spare parts. It is (the reason) why many countries are pleased (to cooperate) with us because PTDI can be a one-stop service for them," Arief remarked.

He noted that another NC212i aircraft will be sent to Thailand later in December 2022.

Meanwhile, the NC212i aircraft currently being delivered is scheduled to be accepted by the Thai DRRAA on August 4, 2022, and witnessed by Indonesian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand, Rachmat Budiman.

The plane can be used to transport passengers, cargo, troops, or paratroops, as well as to produce rain and to conduct medical evacuation. Hence, it can be adjusted alternately according to the needs of the DRRAA.

To date, PTDI has succeeded in delivering 466 aircraft and helicopters for both domestic and foreign customers. Out of the number, a total of 120 units are the NC212 series aircraft.

The NC212i aircraft is the latest generation of the multipurpose NC212 aircraft series, with a capacity of 28 passengers. It has ramp doors; winglets; and spacious cabin as compared to other aircraft in its class; more modern navigation and communication systems; as well as lower operating costs.

Currently, PTDI is the sole producer of NC212i aircraft.

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Translator: Ajat Sudrajat, Uyu Liman
Editor: Suharto
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