Are We Pinning Too Much Hopes On AI?
Despite known glitches and fatal mishaps, industries somehow remain optimistic or resigned to the fact since dollars are pumped into AI research and development, the show has to go on.
During the International Monetary Fund –World Bank (IMF-World Bank) annual meetings in Nusa Dua, Bali, from 12-14 October, Indonesian aircraft manufacturer, PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI), displayed two state owned aircrafts (CN 235 and N 219 planes) to international delegates. This resulted in numerous expressions of interest from African countries, with Elfien Goentoro, president director of PT DI commenting that, “Madagascar, Congo and Sudan have expressed interest. They are in the process of exploring a possible [purchase]”. Although, the company’s motivation for displaying its aircrafts was not focused on sales but mainly to showcase its products, Goentoro did add that the African market is an area of interest due to the suitability of the CN 235 and N219 planes to the geography of many African countries. Additionally, Norway had also sought information about the two aircrafts, due to domestic requirements for planes with short take-off and landing abilities that would be operated in remote areas of the Nordic region.
Currently, the company is looking to produce an average of 10 airplanes a year and would be delivering four plants in 2019. Senegal has already purchased a CN 235 plane worth US$25 million while Nepal had purchased a CN 235 with maritime patrol configuration that is priced at $30 million and Thailand had purchased two N 219 planes worth $13 million each.
WANT MORE INSIDER NEWS? SUBSCRIBE TO OUR DIGITAL MAGAZINE NOW!