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Presidential airplane arrives
The Boeing Business Jet 2 (BBJ) presidential aircraft arrived at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base Thursday
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The Boeing Business Jet 2 (BBJ) presidential aircraft arrived at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base Thursday.
State Secretary Sudi Silalahi said the country's first ever presidential airplane would save state funds and become a symbol of national pride.
'We can save more by no longer using commercial aircraft,' Sudi said, as quoted by Antara news agency, during a ceremony to receive the new aircraft at Halim Perdanakusuma.
Sudi said the government had calculated that the airplane would save Rp 114.2 billion (US$10.04 million) a year. Previously, the government chartered an aircraft from flag carrier Garuda Indonesia.
'Previously, the airline had to reschedule its flights whenever the president needed an airplane,' Sudi said.
He said Indonesia would be proud of the special airplane, which was sophisticated, modern, secure and ready to serve the president and his constitutional duties.
The presidential airplane cost around Rp 820 billion and was manufactured in 2013. It is 38 meters long, 12.5 meters high and a wingspan of 35.79 meters.
The BBJ 2 can fly at a maximum elevation of 41,000 feet above sea level and fly for a maximum of 10 hours with a maximum range of 4,629 nautical miles, or 8,556 kilometers. Its top speed is 0.85 Mach.
The Indonesian Air Force is responsible for the aircraft operations while Garuda for its maintenance. The State Secretariat will bear all the costs. (put/nvn)
