Airvan operates GA8 Aircraft for transporting tourists

TUBAN, Bali (JP): Indonesian company PT Satmarindo on Friday purchased a single-engine, eight-seat GA8 Airvan aircraft from Australian company Gippsland Aeronautics.

The aircraft will be operated by PT Airvan Dirgantara Indonesia to allow foreign tourists to enjoy the beauty of Bali from above, or to visit various tourist destinations in neighboring areas.

The purchasing contract was signed at a simple ceremony held next to the brand new aircraft parked on the apron of The Ngurah Rai International Airport, Tuban. It was attended by the Australian Trade Minister Mark Vaile, Gippsland Aeronautics' Managing Director Michael Hall, and PT Airvan Dirgantara Indonesia's Director James Budiono.

"Australians have been coming to Bali for years for holidays. Now when they are enjoying the sights of this beautiful part of the world, they might be flying in an aircraft made in (Australian state) Victoria," Australian Trade Minister Mark Vaile said.

The US$350,000 GA8 Airvan can operate from rough landing areas as short as 550 metres in length. Its ability to operate in basic conditions makes the aircraft ideal for tourist operators, and even mining or oil and gas companies operating in remote areas.

During the recent Singapore Air Show the GA8 Airvan had also attracted a lot of interest from several countries including the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Laos.

The 24-year-old company spent eight years developing the present model of GA8 Airvan. The company has sold aircraft to customers in Canada, Belize, and Mozambique.