Bali International Airshow 2024 ready for takeoff
INTERNATIONAL Airshow is making a grand return to Indonesia after 30 years with the Bali International Airshow (BIA) 2024, backed by major international aerospace companies, emphasising Indonesia’s growing influence in the global aerospace and defence sectors.
The event will take place from Sept 18-21 2024 at the Ngurah Rai International Airport featuring global aerospace and defence giants including Airbus, Bell Helicopters, Boeing, Brahmos, Dassault Aviation, Embraer, Garuda Group, Leonardo (represented by Helitech Asia -Asia-Pac distributor), Lion Air, MBDA, PT Dirgantara Indonesia, Textron Aviation, and Thales.
This global participation underscores Indonesia’s strategic ambition to become a pivotal player in the Asia-Pacific region and solidifies its growing presence on the international stage. The airshow is a crucial step in Indonesia’s journey towards becoming a regional hub for aerospace innovation and defence technology.
Among the expected dignitaries are top defence officials, ministers, and industry leaders from
over 20 countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Timor-Leste, South Korea, Australia, India, USA, Japan, New Zealand, China, Papua New Guinea, Turkiye.
Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said, “through these collaborations, Indonesia is now ready to stand alongside notable players in the global arena, making an international event like the Bali Airshow essential. The aviation landscape in Indonesia is on an upward trajectory, with a projected annual growth rate of 5 percent in the aircraft fleet over the next five years and Indonesia is estimated to be the 4th largest aviation market in 2037. The Ministry is delighted to be in full support of BIA 2024, which will further reinforce this growth and our position on the global stage.”
BIA 2024 will feature 16 static displays from commercial aircraft tomilitary aircraft such as the F16 Fighting Falcon, Sukhoi SU27, C130J Super Hercules, CASA C212, EC275, and Embraer EMB314 Super Tucano among others. Moreover, the airshow will also showcase two cutting-edge aircraft: the F-35A Lightning II from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Airbus A400M from the German Air Force. This highlights strong support from strategic countries to this event.
Pertamina, Indonesia’s major energy company, is also playing a vital role in supporting the
event as its title sponsor, with a focus on promoting sustainable aviation practices. “As an energy company in Indonesia, Pertamina is committed to supporting innovation and sustainability in the aviation industry. At the BIA 2024, Pertamina will highlight the development and implementation of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Pertamina believes that SAF is the key to growth of an environmentally friendly and sustainable aviation industry. In the future Pertamina is expected to strengthen collaboration with global partners and introduce the latest technology for the advancement of sustainable aviation in Indonesia and the world,” said Vice President Director of Pertamina, Wiko Migantoro.
Hosted by the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs, the Ministry of
Transportation of Indonesia, and the Indonesia Air Force, the event is set to propel the country
to the forefront of the aviation and aerospace industries by leveraging innovation and expertise
from key stakeholders.
The airshow will attract close to 100 participating companies and 100 hosted delegations from
more than 35 countries and regions. Leading up to the Bali Airshow, two major conferences will be held on September 17,where global leaders and experts will meet to address critical issues in the aerospace industry.These forums will foster bilateral and multilateral relationships between Indonesia and other
nations, promoting increased cooperation and collaboration.
FORUMS FOR GLOBAL DISCUSSIONS
The Asia Pacific Air Transport Forum 2024, titled “Scaling Up Sustainable Aviation Fuels and
Integrated Airspace Solutions for a Greener Future,” will explore the future of sustainable
aviation. Key discussions will focus on scaling the production and adoption of SAF and
integrating advanced air mobility technologies, such as drones and Urban Air Mobility CG
systems, into conventional airspace.
Furthermore, the Indonesian government is set to unveil its national roadmap for advancing the
Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) industry and ecosystem in Indonesia during the Airshow. This
strategic roadmap underscores Indonesia’s unwavering commitment to sustainable aviation,
aiming to achieve Net Zero Aviation by 2050.
Simultaneously, the Bali Regional Air and Space Power Forum 2024 will focus on “Security for
All: The Future of Aerospace Technology and Its Role in Humanitarian Assistance and
Disaster Relief (HADR) Operations,” addressing the growing challenges of natural disasters in
the Asia-Pacific. Experts will discuss integrating advanced aerospace technologies, including
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, satellites, and C4ISR systems, into HADR operations to improve
disaster response effectiveness.
Aimed at bringing together key stakeholders from governments, civil aviation authorities, aircraft
manufacturers, and other notable industry players alike, to discuss strategies for enhancing the
SAF ecosystem and advancing airspace integration.
“The integration of sustainable aviation fuels and advanced aerospace technologies into our
airspace and disaster response systems is essential. These forums will unite global
stakeholders to explore innovative solutions that foster a greener future for aviation and
enhance our ability to respond to natural disasters. Moreover, the Bali International Airshow
2024 solidifies its importance by actively urging stakeholders to enhance their dedication to
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, one of the first in its kind,” added
Pandjaitan.
As part of its groundbreaking approach, BIA 2024 actively encourages
aviation stakeholders to enhance their ESG commitments in developing regions. For instance, the 2024 event has formalised partnerships with Yayasan Care Peduli (CARE Indonesia) and established a significant commitment to handling environmental, health, and social issues for NTT (Nusa Tenggara Timur).
In addition, the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Kemenko Marves)
has partnered with the government consulting body, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change
(TBI), to become one of the knowledge partners at the Bali Airshow. TBI will organise a series of
panel discussions covering various topics such as regional challenges and opportunities for the
use of environmentally friendly aviation fuel, the path towards sustainable aviation, and
strengthening Indonesia’s air defence industry.
FLYING DISPLAYS TO IGNITE THE BALI SKIES
Reigniting Indonesia’s aerospace legacy, Bali’s skies will once again be filled with the
breathtaking flying displays of the Jupiter Aerobatic Team (JAT), featuring six KT-1B Woongbee
aircraft. Known for their precision flying and mesmerising formations, JAT will perform four times
each day throughout the airshow week.-shp/adj/dl (Pix:BIA)
