Bali International Airshow to make Indonesia global aviation and innovation hub

INDONESIA opened its doors to the world at the long anticipated Bali International Airshow 2024 (BIA) on Sept 18, with the event being declared open by the Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, a first for the nation in almost 30 years. Poised to elevate Indonesia’s aerospace and defence sectors to greater heights, the airshow is a showcase of Indonesia’s growing prowess in the aviation landscape.

This landmark event brings together global aerospace leaders, defence giants, industry experts, and innovators, all converging in Bali to showcase the latest advancements in aviation technology, military defence systems, and sustainable aerospace solutions. As the largest event of its kind in the region, the BIA 2024 reflects Indonesia’s commitment to elevating its aerospace and defence sectors to new heights, solidifying its position as a key player in the Asia-Pacific aviation landscape.

Declaring BIA 2024 open, Pandjaitan said, “The Bali International Airshow demonstrates our fortitude to compete and become a prominent global player in the aerospace industry. I also underscore our effort to chart a brighter, sustainable future for the aviation sector. The enhancement of Indonesia’s aerospace sectors is imperative for the future of Indonesia. This is not merely a strategic necessity, but the pivotal driver of our nation’s economy and social progress.

“Our investment in the aviation sector will ensure seamless connectivity, foster trade of goods and services, boost our tourism sector and advanced economic growth, and more importantly as a nation with strategic geopolitical significance, the robustness of the aerospace industry will dictate our defence readiness in safeguarding our national sovereignty and maintaining regional stability.” Mr Pandjaitan was accompanied by several other senior officials who graced the event including Minister for Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, and Deputy Coordinating Minister for Maritime Sovereignty and Energy Jodi Mahardi.

There was also almost 1,000 other attendees at the Opening Ceremony, including visiting dignitaries who attended the opening ceremony from defense officials, ministers, and industry leaders from over 20 countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, South Korea, Australia, India, USA, Japan, New Zealand, China, Papua New Guinea, and Turkey.

The event was also marked by the signing of the Letter of Intent (LOI) for BIA 2024 between the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Ministry of Transportation; Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Ministry of Defence, PT Aviasi Pariwisata Indonesia (InJourney), an enterprise that manages Indonesia’s aviation and tourism sectors, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI AU) and PT Inaro Tujuh Belas.

Through the LOI, the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment proposes the establishment of a cooperation agreement among the relevant stakeholders, which will strengthen the collaboration between industry players globally, which will assist Indonesia in advancements in the areas of technology, innovation and tourism.

BIA 2024 will also become a biennial event in Indonesia, taking place during every odd year.

A Grand Return After 30 Years

As BIA 2024 makes a grand return to Indonesia after almost 30 years, the event aims to propel the country at the forefront of the global aviation and aerospace industries. The international participation underscores the country’s strategic ambition to become a pivotal player in the Asia Pacific region solidifying its growing presence on the international aviation stage in becoming a regional hub for aerospace innovation and defence technology.

The airshow sees attendance from 48 countries/regions including hosted delegations, trade visitors and exhibitors as well as participation from 100 companies. BIA 2024 is set to make great strides in the international aviation industry, making a mark in history as it showcases Indonesia’s demonstration of aerial skill and precision in the sector.

Support From Global Industry Giants

Featuring global aerospace and defence giants such 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, the convergence of these defence giants signify Indonesia’s growing prowess as a growing centre for aerospace innovation and defence collaboration.

Mr Andy Wismarsyah, Chief Executive Officer of PT Inaro Tujuh Belas commented “The presence of these delegates here at the Bali Airshow showcased significant advancements Indonesia has made in the aviation and aerospace industry,” He further commented “Indonesia is emerging as a burgeoning hub for the aerospace and defence sectors. We believe that hosting this airshow creates multiplier effects, spanning from the aviation industry itself to the tourism and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industries–- opening opportunities and building economic contributions.”

Driving Indonesia Towards Sustainable Aviation Practices

In support of Indonesia’s ambition to stand on equal footing with global players, the BIA 2024 is also a platform for delegates to bring forward important conversations on the future of Indonesia’s aerospace and defence sectors.

The Asia Pacific Air Transport Forum 2024, themed “Scaling Up Sustainable Aviation Fuels and Integrated Airspace Solutions for a Greener Future,” delves into the future of sustainable aviation. The forum will feature key discussions on expanding the production and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and integrating advanced air mobility technologies — including drones and Urban Air Mobility Control and Guidance (CG) systems — into existing airspace frameworks.

Furthermore, Indonesia is set to outline its strategic roadmap in advancing the nation’s agenda towards achieving Net Zero Aviation by 2050. “The unveiling of Indonesia’s national roadmap for advancing the Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) industry marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to sustainable aviation,” said Mr Pandjaitan. “This strategic roadmap not only highlights our dedication to reducing carbon emissions but also positions Indonesia at the forefront of the global push towards greener skies. By fostering a robust SAF ecosystem, we are setting ambitious targets to achieve Net Zero Aviation by 2050, ensuring a sustainable future for our aviation industry and contributing significantly to the global fight against climate change.”

At the same time, the Bali Regional Air and Space Power Forum 2024 centred on the theme “Security for All: The Future of Aerospace Technology and Its Role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Operations,” highlighting the increasing challenges posed by natural disasters in the Asia-Pacific region.

The forum brings together experts to discuss how advanced aerospace technologies — such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), satellites, and C4ISR systems — can be integrated into HADR operations to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of disaster response efforts.

Indonesian Elite Pilots Soars High

BIA 2024 is also a platform to strengthen the bilateral and multilateral relationships between Indonesia and other nations. It features 16 static displays from commercial aircraft to military aircraft along with cutting-edge technologies that define the future of aviation.

The static displays include the F16 Fighting Falcon, C130J Super Hercules, C-212 Aviocar, EC725, and EMB-314 Super Tucano among others. There is also a showcase of two cutting-edge aircraft: the F-35A Lightning II and the A400M Atlas.

The renowned Jupiter Aerobatic Team and Neptunus Aerobatic Team from Indonesia and the solo flying display of the F-35A Lightning II from Australia is showcasing a series of breathtaking displays. The flying displays are scheduled to fly four times daily, highlighting the expertise and dedication of the teams and their exceptional advancements in aerospace technology.

“The flying displays demonstrate the exceptional talents of the Jupiter and Neptunus Aerobatic Teams in BIA 2024. It further symbolises Indonesia’s growing prowess in the aviation and aerospace sectors. We are excited to share their exhilarating performances and our country’s capabilities in these industries to the international community,” said Mr Pandjaitan.

The Jupiter Aerobatic Team (Indonesian Air Force) fly six KT-1B Wongbee aircraft and the Neptunus Aerobatic Team (Indonesian Naval Aviation Center) is flying six Bonanza G36 light aircraft to perform complex manoeuvres across Bali’s skies. Meanwhile, the Royal Australian Air Force will fly the F-35A Lightning II in a solo display.-bali/adj/mhi (Photo: BIA 2024)