Indonesia’s PTDI eyes Kenya as gateway to Africa, offers aircraft and technical skills transfer
The push comes as the manufacturer seeks to expand its footprint across Africa, where it says it has already delivered aircraft to several countries.
Indonesia’s state-owned aircraft manufacturer, PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), is attempting to rekindle discussions with Kenya regarding aircraft supply, alongside providing local maintenance capabilities and knowledge transfer. PTDI views Kenya as a potential launching pad to the broader African market, particularly interested in utilizing its CN235 and other aircraft for passenger, cargo, and humanitarian operations.
The company's Director of Business and Development, Mohamad Arif Faisal, expressed this sentiment during a meeting with Kenyan journalists at PTDI’s headquarters in Bandung.
PTDI, Indonesia's sole aircraft manufacturer, currently produces the CN235, NC212, and the N219, as well as offering engineering services and aircraft maintenance support. Earlier talks with Kenyan stakeholders, particularly Kasas Limited—a Nairobi-based air charter and contract operator established in 2006—focussed on the utilization of PTDI aircraft for passenger and cargo charters in Kenya.
However, these discussions ceased in December 2025. Faisal acknowledged the need to follow up on the initial communication and reiterated the company's interest in partnering with local entities to minimize the need for frequent aircraft shipping back to Indonesia for maintenance.
The strategy aims to develop local capabilities, offering Kenyan engineers, mechanics, and pilots the opportunity to handle routine maintenance, while complex tasks could be shared with local companies. Similar initiatives have been undertaken in countries such as Malaysia, the UAE, and the Philippines, where PTDI has collaborated with local MRO companies, transferring necessary knowledge and technical abilities.
For Kenya, PTDI highlights the CN235 as an ideal choice for airports with limited infrastructure, citing its capability to operate from short runways and its versatility with cargo and troop transportation. The aircraft also boasts lower operating and maintenance costs, enabling Kenya to foster its maintenance infrastructure.
PTDI’s expansion in Africa has already resulted in the delivery of about seven aircraft to African nations, including Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania. In 2024, an agreement was signed with a local African firm for five more aircraft. However, the company faces challenges, including its distance from African markets, which necessitates diplomatic support and navigation through national regulatory frameworks, especially concerning defense-related business.
Indonesian diplomatic missions are seen as vital in facilitating these interactions. Drawing lessons from Indonesia’s aerospace industry, PTDI emphasizes the importance of domestic aerospace capabilities, highlighting the role of government support, international partnerships, and technology-transfer requirements in building local industry.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
