Ministry conducts flight calibration at Nusantara airport

The Transportation Ministry is currently conducting crucial calibration work at Nusantara Airport to ensure it meets flight safety standards ahead of its operational launch. The calibration process involves fine-tuning and testing various navigation and communication systems to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi provided an update, noting that a calibration mission flight took place on Tuesday. This was part of the follow-up to a previous verification of the airport on September 8 and 9, 2024. The calibration includes adjustments to landing aid equipment such as radars and navigation systems, and a King Air 350i aircraft from the Center for Flight Facilitation Calibration was used for this purpose.

The ministry’s efforts also involve test flights utilizing a performance-based navigation system to confirm the suitability of flight procedures. These evaluations are critical in ensuring that all equipment and systems meet the required safety regulations before the airport becomes fully operational.

Construction progress at Nusantara Airport is advancing well. The runway, which measures 2,200 x 30 meters, is ready for use, and significant progress has been made on the VVIP and VIP terminal buildings, with the VVIP terminal 90 percent complete and the VIP terminal 80 percent complete. Supporting infrastructure, including air traffic control (ATC) towers, operational buildings, and fire and rescue facilities, is also progressing, as is the main access road to the airport, which is nearly finished.

The ministry is optimistic that Nusantara Airport will be ready by December 31, as planned. Following the completion of the calibration process, the airport could soon be used for presidential visits. President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is expected to work at Nusantara from September 11 to October 19 and is scheduled to hold a plenary cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace in Nusantara this week.

• Nusantara Airport Construction Updates:
  • Detailed reports on the current status of Nusantara Airport’s construction, including timelines for completion and any potential delays.
  • Updates on the completion of critical facilities like the VVIP and VIP terminals, air traffic control towers, and fire and rescue buildings.
• Flight Calibration Procedures:
  • In-depth articles on the flight calibration process, including the technology and methods used to test and adjust navigation and communication equipment.
  • Case studies or examples of similar calibration efforts at other airports, illustrating the importance of these procedures for ensuring flight safety.
• Importance of Airport Safety Standards:
  • Discussions on the safety standards and regulations that airports must meet before they can become operational, and the role of calibration in meeting these standards.
  • Interviews with aviation experts or safety regulators on the significance of flight calibration in preventing accidents and ensuring smooth operations.
• Impact on Regional Development:
  • Analysis of how the opening of Nusantara Airport will affect regional development, including economic, social, and logistical impacts on the new capital and surrounding areas.
  • Reports on how the airport fits into the broader plans for developing Nusantara as Indonesia’s new capital city.
• Presidential Visits and Activities:
  • Coverage of President Jokowi’s activities and working visits to Nusantara, including his schedule and the significance of holding cabinet meetings at the new airport.
  • Insights into how the airport’s readiness might influence presidential engagements and government operations in the new capital.
• Historical Context and Future Prospects:
  • Historical context on the development of Nusantara Airport and its role in Indonesia’s long-term infrastructure plans.
  • Future prospects for Nusantara Airport, including potential routes, airlines, and expected passenger traffic.
• Public and Media Reactions:
  • Reactions from the public and media regarding the progress and upcoming operational status of Nusantara Airport.
  • Features on local and national sentiment towards the new airport and its impact on Indonesia’s aviation sector.