The B787-9 Dreamliner, operating as flight EY476, was met with the traditional water cannon salute, while Etihad精东影业 pilots waved the UAE and Indonesian flags from the cockpit.

The four times weekly flight offers 28 seats in business and 262 seats in economy.

鈥淚 am honored to be welcomed to the island today and proud to bring a full flight on our inaugural journey into Bali,鈥� Arik De, Etihad精东影业 Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer said in a statement.

鈥淲e are thrilled to add Bali to the growing list of destinations we serve directly from Abu Dhabi. It becomes our second destination in Indonesia, adding to the capital Jakarta. We look forward to connecting our guests from the Middle East, Europe and across our global network with the Indonesian tropical island,鈥� De added.

Etihad launched eight new destinations in June 2024, five summer routes and three year-round services.

Etihad also started year-round services to Jaipur International Airport (JAI) in India and Prince Naif Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (ELQ) in Al Qassim.

Etihad launched its seasonal summer services to:

Nice C么te d鈥橝zur Airport (NCE)

Antalya Airport (AYT)

Mykonos International Airport (JMK)

Santorini International Airport (JTR)

M谩laga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP)

Etihad announces eight destinations: five summer routes, three year-round

• Airlines

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-06-21

Indonesia’s reduced payment of $437 million, much less than the $1.16 billion initially pledged, has raised concerns about South Korea shouldering the financial burden for the project, Seok Jong-gun, chief of South Korea精东影业 Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), said in an interview with the . 

There are lingering concerns about Indonesia’s financial reliability, as it has yet to pay the remaining $145 million of its reduced commitment. South Korea plans to monitor Indonesia’s actions closely before proceeding with full technology transfers. 

鈥淲e should not be stabbed in the back again, and we won鈥檛 be,鈥� Seok said. 鈥淲e can determine our level of response by monitoring the other party精东影业 response. The technology transfer will be pursued in accordance with how Indonesia reacts.鈥� 

In addition to the financial woes surrounding the program, trust between the two nations was likely eroded further when two Indonesian engineers working at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) were accused of trying to save sensitive information onto eight USB drives. The joint investigation opened by the DAPA, the National Intelligence Service (NIS), and the Defense Counterintelligence Command (DCC) is ongoing.  

鈥淚f the investigation results show that a significant technology leak has occurred, we would reconsider cooperating at all in joint development,鈥� Seok said. 

Despite these setbacks, the head of DAPA stated that completing the KF-21 by its 2026 deadline remains a priority, and technology transfer and prototype provision are still part of the deal. 

Indonesian engineers accused of classified data leak on KAI KF-21 Boramae fighter

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2024-02-05

What is the KF-21 Boramae fighter jet?  

The KF-21 Boramae, a product of the KF-X program, was initiated in 2015 as a collaborative venture be 

The KF-21 features a passive stealth design and advanced avionics. With a wingspan of 11.2 meters (36.7 feet), it is powered by two GE Aviation F414 engines, the same as those in F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and Saab JAS 39E/F Gripens.

It has a range of 2,900 kilometers (1,800 miles) and a top speed of 2,200 kilometers per hour (1,367 miles per hour). With a maximum thrust of 44,000 pounds, the jet supports a maximum takeoff weight of 25,600 kilograms (56,218 pounds) and a maximum weapon load of 7,700 kilograms (17,000 pounds).听

While its design resembles 5th-generation fighter jets, it lacks an internal weapon bay, leading Korean media to classify it as a “4.5-generation fighter.”听

The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) has set a target to procure 120 KF-21 fighters by 2032, intending to replace aging aircraft such as the F-4E and F-5E in its fleet. On January 10, 2024, DAPA confirmed that KAI was on track to start production of the KF-21 fighter jet in 2024.    

South Korea’s KF-21 fighter jet completes successful aerial refueling test

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2024-03-22

The A320, with registration PK-STD, was operating flight IU2180 from Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC) in Manado on May 25, 2024, when the incident took place. 

Due to reported heavy rain in the area, the aircraft, which was carrying 172 passengers and crew members, lost control during landing and overshot the runway, stopping at a grassy and muddy area.

Based on photographs taken on site and uploaded on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), passengers evacuated using stairs on the runway. No injuries were reported.

According to data from Planespotters.net, the aircraft PK-STD is a 10.3 year old A320 and first started out with Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo in March 2014.

Based in Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (GGK), Super Air Jet was founded in March 2021 and commenced operations on August 6, 2021.

Geneva Airport suspends operations after private jet overshoots runway

• Airport

byJean Carmela Lim

2023-12-14

The unfortunate incident, which appears to have happened sometime within May 13-15, 2024 was captured on video and has been shared on various social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter).

In the video clip, the worker appears to have concluded aircraft checks and steps out of the aircraft, where a stepladder had been placed. However, he is not facing the steps when he exits, seemingly presuming that the stepladder is still in position. 

Coincidentally, other ground workers pulled the stepladder away from the plane the moment the man steps, and the gap sends him plummeting down the ground to the tarmac. 

According to various social media posts, the incident occurred in Jakarta精东影业 Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), and fortunately, the worker did not sustain life-threatening injuries.

A Fly Guy精东影业 Cabin Crew Lounge, a Facebook group for aviation professionals with over a million followers, has called out for more 鈥渟ituational awareness鈥� at work to prevent such accidents from happening.

Man arrested on SYD airport tarmac after trying to jump into plane cargo hold

• Airport

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-04-29

In June 2023, the Indonesian government said it planned to purchase the aircraft from the Qatari Emir’s Air Force for 鈧�680 million ($732 million). The 2000-5 is an air superiority variant of the aircraft developed by Dassault Aviation in the 1970s.

The Indonesian Minister of Defense, Prabowo Subianto, defended the project, arguing that the aircraft were needed as an interim measure while awaiting the delivery of 42 Rafale jets ordered directly from Dassault Aviation. The minister claimed that the Qatari Mirage fleet still had approximately 70% of its total flight hours.听

However, the opposition criticized the plan to purchase the Mirage 2000 and pointed out the lack of long-term availability of spare parts, maintenance, and repairs for the aircraft. Per the contract, the support service guarantee was limited to three years.听

Earlier in January 2024, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, a spokesperson for the minister, revealed that the government postponed the Mirage 2000-5 order due to financial limitations. Days later, the final tranche of 18 Rafale fighters officially entered into force after the first payment for the last batch was made.听听听

Indonesia triggers final tranche of 18 Rafale fighters

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2024-01-09

Corruption allegation ahead of Indonesia精东影业 presidential election 

A recent article published on the MSN portal suggested Subianto was involved in a corruption case related to this purchase. According to the article, the Group of States Against Corruption (GRECO), the Council of Europe’s anti-corruption monitoring body, opened an investigation into Excalibur International, a Czech company involved in the order negotiations. 

Simanjuntak has rejected the accusations and claimed that the article was an attempt to manipulate the public before the presidential election scheduled for February 14, 2024. The current defense minister is one of the candidates in the election. The incriminating article has since been taken down.听

Speaking to local news portal , Simanjuntak has announced that the Mirage 2000-5 purchase project has been altogether canceled, arguing that corruption claims were baseless. The ministry spokesperson stated that budget constraints had led to the decision to cancel the plan and that the focus will now be on modernizing the existing aircraft to maintain the country’s air capabilities.听

The Indonesian Air Force maintains a fleet comprising roughly 50 F-16 A/Bs and C/Ds, alongside approximately 10 Russian Su-27SKM and Su-30 fighters.听In addition to filling a capacity gap, the canceled Mirage order was also meant to transition Indonesian pilots between their current Russian and US aircraft and the upcoming French Rafales.

Indonesian engineers accused of classified data leak on KAI KF-21 Boramae fighter

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2024-02-05

Philip Merthens, from New Zealand, was taken on February 7, 2023 by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) when his commercial charter plane carrying five passengers was attacked after it landed safely at Paro Airfield in the remote region of Nduga.

鈥淚n order to protect humanity and ensure human rights, the Management of the Central Headquarters of the National Command, the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) will return the pilot Philip Max Martherns [sic] to his family through the Jurisdiction of the Secretary General of the United Nations,鈥� the TPNPB精东影业 Major General Terianus Satto said in a statement seen by Indonesian media.

The announcement has been made exactly a year after Merthen was abducted. No further details about the release have been given.

A spokesperson for NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters told NZ media that New Zealand 鈥渃ontinues to work with all parties on securing Mr. Mehrtens’ safe release鈥�.

According to Indonesian media outlet Jakarta Globe, one of the reasons TPNPB is releasing Mehrtens is due to him being from New Zealand, a country that the group believes is emotionally connected to Papua.

“Most Australians and New Zealanders support Papua’s independence. We are holding him not as an enemy but as a friend who lives with TPNPB forces in the Ndugama region, Papua,” a TPNPB spokesperson told Jakarta Globe.

Snowstorms bury airports in China, disrupt Lunar New Year travel for millions

• Airport
• Civil Aviation

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-02-07

The incident reportedly involved two engineers trying to save sensitive information onto eight USB drives, according to a representative from the South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) quoted by Yonhap.  

The information allegedly includes details about avionics, such as the indigenously developed Advanced Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar equipping the fighter, along with classified data from US and EU suppliers subject to export agreements with South Korea, and thus unavailable to Indonesia.  

A joint investigation was opened by the DAPA, the National Intelligence Service (NIS), and the Defense Counterintelligence Command (DCC). 

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the issue, emphasizing that it was in contact with the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant organizations to secure information on the situation. However, it contradicted the DAPA report and claimed that only one engineer was involved. 

“There was only one engineer who leaked data, and we are investigating the matter,鈥� Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, the spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told local media. “The [Indonesian embassy to South Korea] has spoken with the said engineer, and we have confirmed that the person in question is not being detained.” 

What is the KF-21 Boramae fighter jet?  

The KF-21 Boramae, a product of the KF-X program, is a collaborative venture between South Korea and Indonesia initiated in 2015.  

The KF-21 features a passive stealth design and advanced avionics. With a wingspan of 11.2 meters (36.7 feet), the KF-21 is powered by two F414 engines from GE Aviation, the same engines propelling F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and Saab JAS 39E/F Gripens. It boasts a range of 2,900 kilometers (1,800 miles) and a top speed of 2,200 kilometers per hour (1,367 miles per hour). Thanks to a maximum thrust of 44,000 pounds, the fighter jet carries a substantial maximum takeoff weight of 25,600 kilograms (56,218 pounds) and a maximum weapon load capacity of 7,700 kilograms (17,000 pounds). 

Though its design might evoke US-made 5th-generation fighter jets, it differs on several points, notably the absence of an internal weapon bay. Thus, it has been categorized by Korean media as a “4.5 generation fighter.” 

The maiden flight of the inaugural aircraft prototype occurred on July 19, 2022, achieving supersonic speed on January 17, 2023. Six KF-21 prototypes have successfully undergone various performance assessments, including night flight and weapon separation tests. 

The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) has set a target to procure 120 KF-21 fighters by 2032, with the intention of replacing aging aircraft such as the F-4E and F-5E in its fleet. 

On January 10, 2024, DAPA confirmed that KAI was on track to start production of the KF-21 fighter jet in 2024.   

South Korea精东影业 KF-21 fighter jet production gears up for 2024 launch

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2024-01-11

An uneasy cooperation听

When South Korea and Indonesia agreed to jointly develop a fighter jet in 2015, the latter pledged to cover 20% of the KF-21 development cost, now estimated to reach 8.1 trillion won (approximately $6.1 billion) by 2026.  

However, renegotiations between the countries started in 2017 when Indonesia failed to provide the full amount scheduled for payment that year. Though it was announced that both parties reached a deal in December 2021 regarding future payments, the timeline is reportedly still not finalized. 

To this day, Indonesia’s payments reportedly total only 227.2 billion won (approximately $190 million), resulting in an outstanding overdue amount of approximately 1 trillion won (approximately $835 million). According to the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, a budget of 106.5 billion won (approximately $80 million) has been earmarked for payments to proceed in 2024. 

In early January 2024, it was revealed that the Indonesian government postponed a plan to procure 12 Dassault Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets from Qatar due to fiscal limitations. The fighters were meant as an interim measure while awaiting the delivery of 42 Rafale jets ordered directly from Dassault Aviation. 

Indonesia triggers final tranche of 18 Rafale fighters

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2024-01-09

This marks the culmination of a multi-stage acquisition, with a contract signed in February 2022 between Indonesia and Dassault Aviation for the acquisition of 42 Rafale fighters in total. The initial tranches of the fighter jets, comprising six and 18 units, entered into force in September 2022 and August 2023, respectively.  

鈥淚n choosing the Rafale, Indonesia has opted for a unique tool for sovereignty and operational independence that will help consolidate its role as a major regional power,鈥� said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation. 鈥淭his choice also consolidates ambitious industrial and academic cooperations. We are fully committed to making this partnership a success, with a resolutely long-term vision.鈥� 

Shifting diplomatic balance in Southeast Asia? 

The decision to order French aircraft followed the failed acquisition of 11 Russian Su-35 Flanker E fighters. Initiated in 2018, negotiations with Russia fell through over financing conditions. The acquisition of Russian fighter jets could have also muddied the relationship with the United States, an important trade partner for Indonesia. 

Initially considering Lockheed Martin’s F-35A fifth-generation stealth fighter as an alternative, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto faced another setback when the United States declined the proposal on November 2, 2020. The rejection was based on the extended timeline required to fulfill the order, pushing Subianto to explore other options. The F-16 Viper and the F/A-18 Super Hornet were offered as alternatives, but Indonesia reportedly turned down the counteroffer. 

This turn of events led Indonesia to forge a new path, ultimately deciding to invest in the French Rafale. This 鈥榯hird-way鈥� acquisition reinforced Indonesia’s declared neutral stance in the ongoing contest for influence between China and the United States in Southeast Asia.听

However, this professed position of neutrality took an abrupt deviation on August 21, 2023, when Boeing announced that it had reached a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Indonesia for the purchase of up to 24 F-15EX fighter jets. The deal is currently awaiting approval from the US government. 

Indonesia reaches agreement with Boeing for sale of up to 24 F-15EX fighter jets

• Defense

byIan Molyneaux

2023-08-22

Indonesia postpones acquisition of interim Mirage fleet from Qatar 

In November 2022, the Indonesian Ministry of Finance approved plans to seek up to $3.9 billion in foreign loans to procure 12 Dassault Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets from Qatar as an interim measure while awaiting the delivery of the Rafale jets ordered directly from Dassault Aviation. The 2000-5 is an air superiority variant of the aircraft developed by Dassault Aviation in the 1970s.  

According to the Indonesian Minister of Defense, Prabowo Subianto, the Qatari Mirage fleet still possessed approximately 70% of their total flight hours. However, the plan was criticized by the country精东影业 opposition, highlighting the lack of long-term availability of spare parts, maintenance, and repairs for the Mirage 2000, with a support service guarantee only limited to three years according to the agreed contract. 

On January 5, 2024, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, spokesperson for the country精东影业 defense minister, revealed that the plan had been delayed by the government due to fiscal limitations. 

鈥淭he Ministry of Defense’s intended acquisition of the Mirage 2000, originally slated for immediate purchase as per the government’s plan, has been postponed for the time being,鈥� Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak told local channel TV One. 鈥淲hat are we doing to fill the interim vacancy? We are retrofitting the existing fleet, such as the F-16 and Sukhoi.” 

The Indonesian Air Force currently maintains a fleet comprising roughly 50 F-16 A/Bs and C/Ds, alongside approximately 10 Russian Su-27SKM and Su-30 fighters.听

Indonesia sends fighter pilots and engineers for Rafale training in France

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2022-11-09

According to a statement from the the two attack aircraft from the 21st Air Squadron crashed separately after carrying out a 鈥減roficiency formation flight mission鈥�.

The two Embraer Super Tucanos took off from Abd Air Base on November 16, 2023, at 10.51 am local time, but contact with the planes was lost around 30 minutes later. The air force added that 鈥渟ounds were heard from both aircraft at different times:鈥�.

The victims have been named as Lieutenant Colonel Sandhra Gunawan, Colonel Widiono Hadiwijaya, Major Yuda Anggara Seta and Colonel Subhan.

Local residents first alerted the air force to the crashes and rescue teams were deployed to the area to locate the aircraft. The bodies of the service personnel were taken to Abdulrachman Saleh Air Base.

In the aftermath of the crash, prayers were held at the air base and Commander Colonel Nav Saeful Rakhmat led a ceremony where a flag was lowered to half-mast.

Air accident investigators are understood to be heading to the crash sites on November 17, 2023, to gather evidence.

Breaking News, telah terjadi kecelakaan pesawat lain TNI AU jatuh di wilayah Kecamatan Puspo Kabupaten Pasuruan Jawa Timur

— Abi Mutia (@MukarromahNur78)

鈥淔arewell, proud soldiers of the Indonesian Air Force, your service will always be remembered, and your name will always be remembered fondly,鈥� the Indonesian Air Force said in a statement.

Vintage Soviet-era L-29 Delfin crashes, kills two at Argentinian air show: video

• Civil Aviation

byEmilia Stankeviciute

2023-11-16

On August 7, 2023, the Boeing 737-800 with registration PK-GNM was operating domestic flight GA 532 from Jakarta精东影业 Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (JKT) to Banjamarsin精东影业 Syamsudin Noor International Airport (BDJ) with 145 passengers and seven crew.

According to the the flight crew performed an Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) approach to Banjarmasin airport精东影业 runway.

The pilots then noticed that the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System alerts were sounding faster than normal and, according to the report, 鈥渁ssisted holding the yoke back with the left hand and the right hand on the thrust levers鈥�. 

The aircraft then 鈥渂ounced with a high pitch鈥� as it touched down, and the flight crew called for a go-around. 

As the aircraft rotated to perform the go-around, a tailstrike occurred and, according to NTSC reports, air traffic controllers at BDJ airport saw 鈥渟parks on the runway鈥� and called for an inspection after the aircraft took off. 

The aircraft then commenced a second approach for a landing without further incident. There were no reported injuries.

On November 2, 2023, the National Transportation Safety Committee released its preliminary report, stating that the aircraft sustained substantial damage including structural damage by deformed stringers, clips and frame. 

The incident was rated an accident and is currently being investigated.

Qatar Airways Airbus A350 damaged during tailstrike incident in Pakistan

• Aviation Safety

byRytis Beresnevicius

2023-04-17