Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport is bracing for an overload, in every sense of the word. After a 20-year hiatus, the International Airshow is returning to the Island of the Gods. The event will run from September 18 to 21. The first three days will be dedicated to industry professionals, company representatives, and exhibitors, while the final day will be open to the public.
The Bali airshow is expected to attract 6,000 guests and over 100 delegations from 35 countries and regions. Among the participating companies are aviation industry giants such as Airbus, Bell Helicopters, Boeing, Brahmos, Dassault Aviation, Embraer, Garuda Indonesia, Leonardo, Lion Air, MBDA, PT DI, Textron Aviation, and Thal.
However, the most exciting action will take place in the sky. Elite Indonesian Air Force pilots from the "Jupiter" and "Neptune" aerobatic teams will showcase thrilling aerial maneuvers for the audience. Additionally, the supersonic F-35A Lightning II fighter jet from Australia will participate in the show's demonstration segment.
Aerial performances will take place daily, giving attendees multiple opportunities to witness the pilots’ skills. The first show is scheduled for the opening day on September 18 at 10:30 AM, with additional demonstrations at 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM, each lasting 20 minutes.
From September 19 to 21, the pilots will take to the skies at 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 3:30 PM, with each performance also lasting 20 minutes.
"As Indonesia hosts the International Airshow in Bali, we are incredibly proud to showcase the exceptional talents of our 'Jupiter' and 'Neptune' aerobatic teams. These aerial performances not only demonstrate mastery and precision in the air but also symbolize our nation’s growing expertise in the aviation and aerospace industries. Our teams embody the spirit of innovation and excellence that defines Indonesia, and we are thrilled to share their breathtaking achievements with the world," said Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.
The Indonesian Air Force’s "Jupiter" team will be flying six KT-1B Wongbee aircraft, painted in striking red and white and equipped with white smoke generators.
The KT-1B Wongbee, with a wingspan of 10.6 meters and a top speed of 350 knots (648.2 km/h), will be visible not only from Ngurah Rai Airport but also from nearby areas such as Jimbaran and Nusa Dua, with glimpses possible from Kuta and Sanur.
The second aerobatic team, "Neptune," comes from Indonesia’s Naval Aviation Center and will perform using six light aircraft, the Bonanza G36. Due to the different characteristics of the aircraft, the maneuvers and formations performed by the "Neptune" team will differ from those of "Jupiter." The Bonanza G36, with a wingspan of 10.12 meters and a maximum speed of 205 knots (463 km/h), is a light general-purpose American aircraft. Its first version took to the skies back in 1945.
The headliner of the airshow will be the F-35A Lightning II of the Royal Australian Air Force. One of the most advanced fighter jets in the world today, it reaches a maximum speed of Mach 1.6 (1960 km/h) and can fly supersonic while maintaining stealth capabilities. The F-35A boasts exceptional acceleration and maneuverability.
Aviation enthusiasts who want to get up close to the aircraft can already purchase tickets on Loket.com. Admission for the public day on September 21 is 165,000 IDR. There’s a “Buy 5, Get 1 Free” offer, which may appeal to larger groups. All prices include taxes, and children under six and seniors over 65 can attend for free. Additionally, a shuttle ticket can be purchased for 110,000 IDR to transport guests to and from the exhibition, though visitors can save money by walking.
Tickets for the Bali International Airshow 2024 Public Day are valid for one day only, on September 21, 2024. With this ticket, attendees will have the chance to see more than 30 military and commercial aircraft, as well as helicopters, up close in the static display zone. Four aerobatic performances are also scheduled throughout the day.
Tourists arriving or departing from Bali’s airport between September 15 and 22 can expect an increased police presence at the airport and surrounding areas. Traffic management systems will be in place. On airshow days, travelers are advised to allow extra time for their trip to the airport.
There are plans to make the Bali Airshow a regular event, with the next one slated for every odd-numbered year.
Sources: Antaranews, AviationWorld
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