IPTN signs six new plane deals

PARIS (JP): Various deals were struck out of negotiations held here yesterday amid the thundering noise of new fighter planes making display flights at Le Bourget.

Six such deals were signed at the PT IPTN chalet at Le Bourget, the venue of the on-going Air Show.

A major deal was signed between IPTN and the Indonesian Armed Forces (ABRI) for the procurement of 16 Superpuma helicopters, which the Indonesian state aircraft industry (IPTN) produces under license at its plant in Bandung, West Java.

IPTN President B.J. Habibie and ABRI Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung signed a memorandum of understanding.

Under the agreement, ABRI has also agreed to purchase 10 NC- 212 planes which IPTN produces jointly with CASA of Spain, and IPTN will refurbish 11 Puma helicopters currently in ABRI's fleet.

Habibie later signed another agreement, to sell six NC-212 planes, with Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto, and another with Eurocopter's President Bigay regarding support for Superpuma equipment.

Another deal was signed by Ilham Habibie, the IPTN project officer for the development of the N-2130 jet, with Snecma of France, which was represented by Vice President Philip Humbert.

President IPTN-Europe, a subsidiary of IPTN based in Germany, signed an agreement with Bureau Veritas of France, which was represented by Vice President for Aeronautics and Space Division Alain Chapgier.

The last deal was signed between the Indonesian Agency for Strategic Industries (BPIS), represented by Paramajuda, and Arthur Johnson, President of System Integration Group of Lockheed Martin Corp.

IPTN appears to have arrived in full force, with virtually everyone at the top of its leadership attending to help promote the image of Indonesia's young aircraft industry.

The company took two planes to Paris, the N-250, the wholly Indonesian designed turboprop twin engineer aircraft, and the military version of the CN-235, which is also jointly developed with CASA.

The N-250 is the first Asian commercial plane to take part in the Paris show.

Gen. Feisal's presence here raised speculations that the Indonesian military was shopping for a new jet fighter after President Soeharto's sudden decision last month to cancel Indonesia's plan to purchase nine F-16 fighters from the United States.

Other officials visiting the show include State Minister of National Development Planning Ginandjar Kartasasmita and Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Sutria Tubagus. (emb)