PTDI optimistic about capturing 19-seat aircraft market at 50 years old
Bandung (ANTARA) - PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), which enters its 50th year in 2026, is optimistic about capturing a niche in the global aviation industry market for 19-seat propeller aircraft through the N219 plane.
PTDI President Director Gita Amperiawan, speaking on the sidelines of the peak event of PTDI’s 50th anniversary at the PTDI Complex in Bandung on Saturday, said this class is considered highly potential due to the minimal number of competitors in the segment.
This confidence is based on PTDI’s long track record in the 19-seat class as well as Indonesia’s position as one of the world’s largest pioneer aviation markets.
Gita said the advantage of the N219 aircraft lies in its design and production ownership, which is purely the work of the nation’s children without being overshadowed by foreign licences like its predecessor series.
“If so far we know the CN series, there is a C in front, there is CASA. If this is N, then it is truly 100 percent the work of the nation’s children, and that is the highest in terms of local content and its TKDN is almost 45 percent,” said Gita Amperiawan.
Gita explained that the golden series of PTDI’s half-century, which began since its birthday on 23 August 2026, with an agenda of ceremonies, breaking the MURI record for small aircraft flights, to a National Symposium with Bappenas (24/8) that formulated the strengthening of the national aviation ecosystem, was designed to affirm the strategic role of the aerospace industry as the main solution for connectivity in the outermost, frontier, and disadvantaged (3T) regions.
As a foundation for industrial sustainability, PTDI also inaugurated a Training Centre facility with the Minister of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia on Saturday, to produce and test the competence of certified aerospace human resources.
On Saturday as well, PTDI held a Runtainment event, or a casual run, inside the production facility area within the PTDI complex. The running route was deliberately designed to pass a display of PTDI-made aircraft products so that the public could get to know the national aviation industry from within more closely.
Gita emphasised that strengthening technical capabilities and ecosystem collaboration is projected to demonstrate the nation’s competitiveness on the international stage while triggering national economic growth.
“The hope is actually that we want to show our nation that we are capable. Yes, that we have a high-tech industry, an industry with a very long journey, PT DI, and God willing, PT DI with all the national aerospace ecosystem is ready to provide solutions for this nation,” said Gita.
He appreciated the full support of the government, which continues to encourage regulation and open great opportunities so that Indonesia’s aerospace sector becomes increasingly established and reckoned with at the global level.