Indonesian Aerospace Takes N219 Amphibious Plane Seriously

Indonesian Aerospace has committed to developing an amphibious version of its 19-seat N219 turboprop aircraft.

According to Indonesian Aerospace, also known as PTDI, the twin-engine amphibious version of the plane, a model of which has been displayed at air shows in recent years, is scheduled to take to the air in 2026.

The company is working with two U.S. companies, Aerocet, a float specialist, and engineering firm Momentum Aeronautics, on the project. It said both companies would support efforts to obtain international certification for the aircraft.

We will also apply for local certification for the N219 amphibious aircraft.

The company adds that it intends to increase the N219’s maximum takeoff weight from 6,700 kg to 7,030 kg (15,500 lb), and its payload from 1,550 kg to 1,900 kg. The floats will add about 600 kg to the aircraft’s weight, meaning the amphibious version’s payload will be about 1,300 kg, or 17 passengers.

Although Indonesian Aerospace had been promoting the N219 for several years and produced two prototypes, a lack of orders made it difficult to start production for the program.

In late 2023, the company signed a $68 million contract with the Indonesian military to deliver six aircraft, the first order of its kind. FlightGlobal, however, assumes the deal will not go into effect until 2025.

Indonesian Aerospace will then need 20 months to produce the first unit in Bandung.

The aircraft, powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engines, received Indonesian certification in December 2020. The N219 is intended to serve remote, undeveloped parts of the vast Indonesian archipelago.

In May 2023, a company executive told FlightGlobal that Indonesian Aerospace predicts that the domestic market will need 120 N219 aircraft within ten years.

In November 2023, Chinese company Linkfield Technologies signed an agreement to promote these aircraft and other types of Indonesian spaceplanes in China.