Indonesia orders three AW101s for VVIP work

Indonesia orders three AW101s for VVIP work

25-Nov-2015 Source: HeliHub.com

The Jakarta Post is reporting that the Indonesian Government have ordered three AW101 helicopters from AgustaWestland for VVIP work, quoting Air Force spokesman First Marshall Dwi Badarmanto saying that the aircraft had been included in the 2014-19 strategic plan.  The three helicopters will replace a single AS332 Super Puma, with the expectation that the scope of the VVIP flight will be extended further than just the President’s office.  A contract price of $55M was quoted, although without stating what that figure covered.

The order is not without it’s parliamentary controversy.  TB Hasanuddin, a lawmaker of the House or Representatives Commission I overseeing foreign and security affairs, spoke out against the choice of the AW101, and urged the Indonesian Government to purchase new aircraft from state-owned manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia instead.  News agency Antara quotes him as saying “Article 43 of the 2012 law on the defense industry states that it is not allowed to purchase foreign defense and security equipment if the state has the capability to produce it”.

One of the reasons cited by spokesman Badarmanto was that it could carry 13 in greater comfort than the 7 of the current Super Puma.

Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com

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