Qatar close to buying Indonesian aircraft

Gulf Times

The deal to buy $250mn CN-235 aircraft from Indonesia will be closed before the end of this fiscal year, Indonesia’s special envoy to the Middle East, Alwy Shihab, has announced.

“HH the Emir himself has ordered the purchase, so it’s only a matter of time,” Shihab said.

Alwy Shihab: ‘Looking for a long-term relationship

The envoy, who met Captain of the Qatar Air Force Ali al-Sulaity yesterday, explained the Qataris were still determining how many they would buy and to what use the 25-passenger aircraft -which can be used for evacuation, surveillance, or just civilian flying- would be put to.

Shihab added that he expected Qatar would be buying “many” of these aircraft.

The CN-235 is a medium-range twin-turbo-prop aircraft developed jointly by CASA (Spain) and IPTN (Indonesia) as a regional airliner and military transporter. The aircraft manufactured in Indonesia are used by the Indonesian air force.

Shihab also met Qatar Holding CEO Ahmed al-Sayyid, who confirmed to him that Qatar Holding Indonesia is “all set to be set up.” The company, controlled 100% by Qataris, will invest in Indonesia’s natural resources, power plants, and oil related activities.

“The Indonesians are preparing proposals for these projects that will be funded entirely by the Qatari side,” Shihab pointed out.

He added that Gulf Petroleum- jointly owned by private Qataris and Bahrainis is entering its final stage of bidding over projects in Indonesia.

Shihab also stated that Indonesia, Brunei and Qatar were entering into a tripartite-real-estate-building agreement; that will involve building resorts and hotels in one of the three countries.

“We are trying to increase the number of Qataris going to Indonesia through ads about shopping and cultural tourism,” he said. “I am sure that when Dubai’s Emar project is finished Bali will become a primary destination.”

The special envoy also took the opportunity to thank Qatar for helping Indonesia overcome the effects of the tsunami and helping it build a sustainable economy.

“When we were hit by the tsunami Qatar was at the forefront of countries extending help,” he said. “We are looking, with the Emir, for a long-term relationship between the two countries.”