Aircraft
N219 Orders Mount as T-prop Moves toward Spring Certification
Indonesian transport gives boost to domestic capabilities and local suppliers
The N219 utility transport features Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42 turboprops driving Hartzell four-blade propellers.
The N219 utility transport features Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42 turboprops driving Hartzell four-blade propellers.

Indonesia’s principal aircraft manufacturer, PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), has amassed orders for 120 of its N219 multi-purpose utility turboprop ahead of local certification due in April or May 2019. The latest customer, domestic airline PT Avistar Mandiri, recently signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire an additional 20 of the airplanes, which PTDI designed for use in remote regions with short, rugged airstrips.

Based in Jakarta, Avistar operates a mixed fleet of two BAe 146-200 and five DHC-6-300 Twin Otters to isolated areas in Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara, and Papua. Other N219 customers include Lion Air, Trigana Air Service, Nusantara Buana Air, Pelita Air, Air Born and the government of Thailand. Meanwhile, Madagascar, Congo, Senegal, and Norway have recently signaled interest due to the aircraft’s STOL abilities.