Commercial aircraft
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Southeast Asia's only home-designed commuter aircraft, aimed at island and remote-strip routes now served by aging foreign types.
The N219 is a 19-seat, twin-turboprop, unpressurised utility aircraft with a high wing and fixed landing gear. It is built for short and unpaved runways in remote regions. PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI, Indonesian Aerospace) began planning it in 2003 to replace the NC212, which it built under licence. PTDI developed it with LAPAN, Indonesia's national aeronautics and space institute. It is all-metal, draws on PTDI's work on the C-212, and was certified to Part 23 commuter-category rules.
Key dates: first metal was cut in September 2014, and the aircraft was rolled out in November 2015 after slipping from August. Airbus was brought in to support certification in 2016. The first prototype made its first flight on 16 August 2017 at Bandung, and the second prototype flew in March 2019. Indonesia's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DKPPU) issued the type certificate on 18 December 2020.
Setbacks: funding was the main cause of delay. When the aircraft first flew in 2017, AIN reported that certification was still unfunded. First flight slipped from late 2016 to August 2017. Certification slipped from 2016, then from April–May 2019, to December 2020. Planned production from 2018–2020 did not happen, and PTDI only confirmed serial production in September 2024.
Status (2026): on 5 May 2026 PT Mitra Aviasi Perkasa signed for four cargo N219s for US$36.1 million, with training and technical publications. PTDI calls this its first domestic commercial contract and expects the first delivery in 2028. Earlier business includes five aircraft for the Democratic Republic of the Congo through Setdco (September 2024). PTDI also lists non-binding MoUs and letters of intent from Linkfield of China (25) and BIBU Panji Sakti (three, cargo). Domestic content is 44.69%. On 26 August 2026 PTDI opened an upgraded final assembly hangar, which raises capacity from 4–6 to up to 12 aircraft a year.
Next: the regulator is targeting an N219-100 type certificate for December 2026. PTDI is targeting 2029 for the amphibious N219-100A certificate.
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2003 (year only)
PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) began planning a 19-seat twin turboprop to replace the NC212 it built under licence, developed with LAPAN, Indonesia's aeronautics institute.
Why it matters: A home-grown design for island and remote-strip flying, a niche with few new aircraft.
September 2014 (month only)
Manufacture of the first prototype began.
Why it matters: Start of the hardware phase after more than a decade of planning.
November 2015 (month only)
The first prototype was rolled out, after slipping from August 2015.
Why it matters: First public sight of the aircraft; schedule slips had already begun.
November 2023 (month only)
The Indonesian government ordered six aircraft (five land planes and one amphibian).
Why it matters: The launch order that funds serial production.
2016 (year only)
Airbus was engaged to support PTDI through certification.
Why it matters: Outside certification know-how was key for a first civil type certificate.
16 August 2017
The first prototype made its first flight at Bandung. AIN reported that certification was still unfunded at the time.
Why it matters: Proved the design flies; funding, not engineering, became the main cause of delay.
18 December 2020
Indonesia's civil aviation regulator (DKPPU) issued the N219 type certificate under Part 23 commuter rules.
Why it matters: Allows civil operation, but the production standard N219-100 still needs its own certificate.
September 2024 (month only)
PTDI confirmed serial production and won an order for five aircraft for the Democratic Republic of the Congo through Setdco.
Why it matters: First export order, opening Africa as a market for the type.
December 2025 (month only)
PTDI signed a non-binding MoU with BIBU Panji Sakti for three cargo aircraft. Other MoUs and letters of intent include Linkfield of China (25).
Why it matters: Interest is broad but mostly non-binding; watch for conversion to firm orders.
5 May 2026
PT Mitra Aviasi Perkasa signed for four cargo N219s for US$36.1 million, with training and technical publications. First delivery is expected in 2028.
Why it matters: First commercial airline-type customer at home; sets a price point of about US$9 million per aircraft package.
26 August 2026
PTDI opened an upgraded final assembly hangar, raising capacity from 4–6 to up to 12 aircraft a year. Domestic content stands at 44.69%.
Why it matters: More capacity means more demand for local parts, tooling and support suppliers.
December 2026 (target)
The regulator is targeting the N219-100 production-standard type certificate for December 2026. A 23 Oct 2026 report says PTDI targets a first flight in December 2026, which, given the 2017 prototype flight, appears to refer to the first production aircraft.
What to watch: whether both December targets hold, as past certification dates have slipped.
February 2027 (estimate)
Deliveries of the six-aircraft government order are estimated to begin in February 2027.
What to watch: the first delivery, which starts in-service experience and the need for spares and maintenance support.
2028 (year only)
PTDI expects to deliver the first of four cargo aircraft to PT Mitra Aviasi Perkasa in 2028. The amphibious N219-100A certificate is targeted for 2029.
What to watch: commercial service in remote regions, the real test for MRO and spares demand.
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Supplier list drawn from manufacturer and trade-press sources as of 7 Nov 2026. Flight-control, landing-gear and cabin suppliers have not been published. Avionics variant (G1000 or G1000 NXi) not confirmed by PTDI or Garmin.
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| Compared item | Capacity | Range | Engines | Entry into service / certificate | Orders / customers | Certified by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PTDI N219 (reference) | 19 seats; max payload 2,300 kg | 831 nm full fuel | 2 × PT6A-42 | Type certificate Dec 2020; first delivery expected 2026–2028 | Setdco/DR Congo, Mitra Aviasi Perkasa | DKPPU (Indonesia) |
| Cessna 408 SkyCourier (USA) | 19 seats; 5,000 lb (passenger) / 6,000 lb (cargo) | 920 nm (passenger) / 940 nm (cargo) | 2 × PT6A-65SC | FAA type certificate announced 14 Mar 2022 | FedEx Express launch customer | FAA |
| De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G (Canada) | 1,030 kg at 803 nm (seat count not stated in source) | 871 nm with no payload | 2 × PT6A-27 (PT6A-34 option) | Launched June 2023 | Agreements and letters of intent for 45 at launch | Not stated in source |
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