Indonesia, Iran Studying Possibility Of Cooperation In Aircraft Development

Indonesia and Iran are studying possibility of cooperation in the development of civil aircraft industry as currently Iran needs to renew a large number of its aircraft for civil aviation service. 

Indonesian PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) could study cooperation with Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company (HESA), the Policy Study and Development Body (BPPK) of the Foreign Ministry was quoted as saying by Antara news Saturday.

The visit by the Iranian delegation to Indonesia is part of the activities of 5th "Policy Research Consultation" (PRC) of Indonesia-Iran, between BPPK and the Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS), a think tank of the Iranian Foreign Ministry held by Asia Africa Museum in Bandung was quoted as saying by the news agency.

BPPK said after the implementation of "Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action" (JCPOA) on 16 January 2016, followed with the lifting of international economic sanction on Iran, that country needs many units of aircraft for civil aviation.

Large purchase of aircraft by Iran has been widely reported by international mass media. Iran was reported signing a contract for the purchase of 100 units of Boeing air craft at a price of $17 billion in September 2016, and 118 units of Airbus aircraft valued at $25 billion in January, 2016. The U.S. finance ministry allowed the purchases by phases.

Iran also is studying purchase of aircraft from the Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer.

Technology and Development Director of PTDI, Andi Alisjahbana, said PTDI, which already has international reputation as an aircraft maker has a big opportunity to sell aircraft to Iran. Propeller aircraft products of PTDI are suitable for domestic flights, Andi said.

So far, PTDI has exported aircraft to various countries including Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, South Korea, Pakistan, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Venezuela.