Airvan operates GA8 Aircraft for transporting tourists

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.