June 10, 2011, Jakarta (TEMPO Interactive): The observer flights, Dudi Sudibyo, assess the presidential plane Boeing Business Jet 2 (BBJ2) are not effective for a visit in the country. Aircraft for U.S. $ 58 million (USD 500 billion) this big that it needs a long runway. "Meanwhile, the domestic runway at the short average," he said yesterday.
According to Dudi, BBJ2 only fit for a state visit which require high mobility. "This aircraft is often used by businesses in developed countries who need the speed of travel time from one country to another."
Previously it was reported that the government planned to buy BBJ2 from Boeing Commercial Airplanes and General Electric, the United States. Budget for purchase of aircraft has been agreed the Council of Representatives. The plan, the aircraft began to be assembled next year and completed in 2013.
Dudi also highlighted the effectiveness of the president in using the aircraft. If within a year of presidential flight with minimal planes, it becomes useless purchases. "Because, BBJ2 aircraft engine maintenance costs are not cheap," he said.
He suggested that the government uses a small propeller plane CN-235 type made by PT Dirgantara Indonesia for domestic traffic. "The aircraft is suitable for a visit to the islands," he said. But, he said, "Go back to the government, many of which visits to other countries or regions?"
State Secretary Sudi Silalahi declared presidential aircraft purchases will save on the budget of Rp 114.2 billion a year. The savings obtained when compared with renting a plane from Garuda Indonesia.
Sudi aircraft leasing budget and compare prices of new aircraft. Over the past five years (2005-2009), chartered a budget of U.S. $ 91.9 million or USD 919.6 billion and Rp 813.7 billion realized. The cost of this lease for five years, he said, was enough to buy a U.S. $ 85.4 million aircraft.
BBJ2 is one of the aircraft which is also operated PT Garuda Indonesia Tbk for commercial purposes. Bede BBJ2 for commercial aircraft and business (private jet), said Dudi, only in the design of the aircraft. Boeing used for commercial transport designed carrying about 200 people. It costs about U.S. $ 50 million. As for business purposes, the design of the aircraft modified with various fittings and luxurious. Transport capacity is also limited to 30-70 people. "The price is adjusted with the order," he said.
