Dirgantara to Launch N219 Flights in Riau Islands
The President Director of aerospace manufacturer Dirgantara Indonesia, Gita Amperiawan, met with the Governor of Indonesia’s Riau Islands province, Ansar Ahmad, on November 25 in Tanjung Pinang to discuss the potential use of Dirgantara’s N219 turboprop aircraft for commercial operations in the region. The meeting also addressed the implementation of block seat subsidies by the provincial government to ensure affordability for local travelers.
The Riau Islands, a sprawling archipelago of over 2,000 islands located between Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula, and Borneo, has a population exceeding 2.1 million. The region’s primary airports include Batam, Tanjung Pinang, Singkep, Tanjung Balai, and Jemaja Island. The 19-seat N219 aircraft, produced by Dirgantara Indonesia, is considered an ideal solution for intra-provincial routes connecting islands such as Tanjung Pinang to Tambelan, Dabo Singkep to Batam, and Letung to Natuna Ranai.
Governor Ansar Ahmad expressed his full support for the initiative, noting the importance of maintaining affordable airfares for residents of the Riau Islands. To achieve this, the provincial government has committed to establishing a subsidy mechanism for a specific number of seats on each flight, thereby ensuring the viability of these routes.
Although it is not yet clear whether an existing airline will operate these routes or if a new airline will be established, the provincial government plans to sign a letter of intent with Dirgantara Indonesia by the end of the year. The aim is to have the N219 aircraft operational in the region by the end of 2026, which could significantly enhance connectivity and stimulate economic activity across the islands.
The discussion between Dirgantara Indonesia and the Riau Islands government is a crucial step toward improving air transportation within the province, making it easier for residents and businesses to travel between islands. The N219’s capabilities, combined with the support of subsidies, are expected to help strengthen the region’s infrastructure, paving the way for a more connected and accessible Riau Islands.
This collaboration could also open doors for similar initiatives in other regions of Indonesia, where small aircraft solutions are needed to link remote areas with larger urban centers, further boosting the aviation industry’s role in national development.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com