Government opens up opportunities to develop the aerospace industry with Airbus
Jakarta – The Minister of National Development Planning (PPN)/Head of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), Rachmat Pambudy, discussed strengthening strategic partnerships and sustainable opportunities for the development of Indonesia’s national aerospace industry with Airbus. The meeting was described as an initial step in reinforcing Indonesia’s strategic collaboration, as well as driving the transformation of the air transport sector and the development of a globally competitive national aerospace industry. ‘As an archipelagic country, Indonesia relies heavily on air connectivity to support economic growth, equitable development, and the mobility of its people. Innovation in technology and aircraft operational efficiency are key factors in meeting those needs,’ he said when receiving Airbus Asia-Pacific President Anand Stanley, according to an official statement in Jakarta on Friday. He explained that Airbus is not only a strategic partner for Indonesia but also has a long history in the aerospace industry. Pambudy praised Airbus’s commitment to continuing to upgrade aircraft this year, which was considered very impressive. Airbus also offers wide-body aircraft options for ultra-long-haul flights capable of directly connecting Indonesia to various global destinations such as New York and London, with capacity of up to 480 seats depending on configuration. Additionally, the company opened opportunities to make Indonesia a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hub for the Asia-Pacific region for both commercial and defence needs. In response, Pambudy stressed that cooperation between the government and Airbus must go beyond mere aircraft procurement. Globally, Airbus allocates around $6 billion per year for design and manufacturing expansion. In the Asia region, Airbus also invests around $4 billion per year in research, industrial parks, and production facilities, with support from around 10,000 employees from 70 nationalities.