PT DI delivers CN-235 to Pakistan

BANDUNG: State-owned aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI) has delivered a second military CN-235 airplane to Pakistan's air force.

The plane was to have been delivered in early August, but the company's financial troubles forced a delay.

"Financial problems made it difficult for PT DI to procure the supplies needed to complete the work," PT DI president Edwin Sudarmo said after the plane's handover here on Friday.

Attending the handover ceremony were State Minister for State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi and Pakistani Ambassador to Indonesia Sayid Mehmood Awan.

The airplane is the second of four Pakistan ordered at a total cost of US$52 million. The final two planes are scheduled to be delivered in October and December, respectively.

"We are optimistic all the work will be completed this year," Edwin said.

Financial difficulties have forced PT DI to revamp its business organization. The company has manufactured 200 CN-235 planes since 1988. --JP