US aircraft manufacturer Boeing announced on Monday (12/6) that the company has signed an agreement with Indonesian state-owned air navigation firm AirNav, to explore initiatives to further enhance the safety and efficiency of Indonesia’s national air traffic management system.
According to Indonesian Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, the agreement combines Boeing’s technical capabilities with the Indonesian government’s initiatives in airspace management, training, and air traffic control strategic planning.
Minister Budi further explained that Boeing and AirNav will work closely with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation Indonesia, local airlines, airport operators, and other aviation stakeholders in the country.
Improving aircraft movement and fuel efficiency
Meanwhile, the President Director of AirNav Polana B. Pramesti emphasized the company’s commitment to ensuring the highest level of safety in the national airspace system and supporting the growth of the national aviation industry.
Polana highlighted the common interests of Boeing and AirNav Indonesia in airspace capacity and air traffic management, stating that it is a natural area for cooperation.
Boeing’ support for Indonesia’s aviation industry
The collaboration aims to pursue various initiatives in air navigation and safety while also focusing on improving aircraft movement to reduce fuel consumption.
Polana emphasized that a world-class air traffic management system is crucial for developing Indonesia’s aviation industry and supporting sustainable economic growth.
Senior Vice President and General Manager of Product Development at Boeing Commercial Airplanes Mike Sinnett expressed his company’s support for Indonesia’s efforts to advance its civil aviation industry.
Sinnett said that working with AirNav Indonesia would allow both parties to explore lasting solutions that enhance Indonesia’s air traffic management system in a safe and sustainable manner.
Indonesia’s rising potential in the global aviation market
Aviation observer from the Indonesian Aviation Network (Japri) Gerry Soejatman evaluates the air navigation development collaboration between AirNav Indonesia and Boeing as necessary. This is considering Indonesia’s significant potential in the future global aviation market.
Gerry stated that in 2019, Indonesia was the 10th largest aviation market in the world. Meanwhile, by 2040, Indonesia is projected to become the fourth largest aviation market globally.
According to him, the collaboration with Boeing will bring a different perspective for long-term strategic airspace planning. Additionally, AirNav Indonesia will also gain knowledge transfer regarding the development and implementation of new technologies and methodologies for air navigation management.
Addressing the challenges of dense urban areas in air navigation
Separately, aviation observer Alvin Lie added that this cooperation is expected to enhance the optimization of AirNav’s navigation services. This is particularly important in areas that were previously unable to be served optimally.
On the other hand, Alvin believes that AirNav Indonesia also requires more advanced and accurate air navigation technologies and techniques for densely populated areas such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Makassar, and others.
