Vietnam eyes PT DI aircraft

BANDUNG. State aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (DI) is upbeat that orders for its products from ASEAN countries will increase over the next few years, commercial and restructuration director Budiman Saleh said on Tuesday.

“We are upbeat that procurement contracts for PT DI products will increase in the next few years because during this time, demand for aircraft of various classes within the ASEAN region will be more promising compared to other regions,” he told The Jakarta Post in an emailed statement.

Budiman said that Vietnam air force chief of staff Lt. Gen. Phuong Minh Hoa and his entourage visited PT DI’s facilities in Bandung, West Java, on Tuesday.

“The visit was significant for PT DI because it shows our capacity and capability in fulfilling the needs for small and medium transportation aircraft for various defense missions,” he said.

He added that Phuong’s visit was a sign that the Defense Ministry’s tour show to six ASEAN countries in May was successful.

“The Southeast Asian market, including Vietnam, is a potential market for PT DI’s products,” he said.

PT DI produces a number of aircraft types for both military and commercial purposes and aircraft structural components and offers aircraft maintenance services and engineering services. So far the company has produced more than 340 airplanes and helicopters for both civilian and military operators.