Southeast Asia's largest helicopter exhibition, HEXIA 2024, at the Cengkareng Heliport in Indonesia’s, Banten province, was officially opened on Wednesday (June 26), and will run until June 30.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The largest helicopter exhibition in Southeast Asia, HEXIA 2024, which is being held at the Cengkareng Heliport in Indonesia’s Banten province, was officially opened on Wednesday, and will run until June 30.

The opening remarks from the Indonesian Minister of Transportation, Budi Karya Sumadi, delivered by the Director of Airworthiness and Aircraft Operations, Mochamad Mauludin, stated that HEXIA 2024 is expected to contribute to the development of the aviation industry in Indonesia.

"HEXIA can be a forum for sharing knowledge and expanding the market for the helicopter aviation industry which will continue to develop to meet the growing needs," he said.

In a report at the opening event, HEXIA's Director Iskandar Muda said, HEXIA 2024 is held for the second time following the successful one taking place last year.

"HEXIA in 2023 recorded 18,000 visitors both from within and outside the country, including those from Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, the Netherlands and other countries," he said.

Apart from featuring a number of helicopter fleets on the Cengkareng Heliport runway, HEXIA also held discussion forums with experts and practitioners in the aviation industry in Indonesia.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Indonesian National Air Carriers Association (INACA), Denon Prawiraatmaja, stated in various articles that the existence of helicopters in Indonesia has been recorded since 50 years ago.

"Helicopters in Indonesia are currently mostly used in industrial activities in the mining sector," said Denon who is also the CEO of the Whitesky Group, while emphasizing that the function of helicopters is actually broader, and can support other fields in the sector of industry in the country.

HEXIA, furthermore, also aims to introduce the function and role of helicopters in other fields to the people in general.

Denon pointed out that the number of helicopter fleets operating in several developed countries has reached more than 1,000 units each, while Indonesia has only hundreds of units.

"In 2025 helicopters will enter a transition period from conventional helicopters to electronic technology with new and renewable energy sources. Hopefully Indonesia can become a pioneer in developing environmentally friendly helicopters," he said.

Furthermore, the commitment to improve the helicopter industry in Indonesia was conveyed by the General Chair of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Arsjad Rasjid.

"As the largest archipelagic country with a large population, the aviation sector in Indonesia is expected to continue to develop," he said.

This year, HEXIA is held under the theme 'Moving Forward, Shaping Tomorrow', which is expected to encompass the collective ambition of stakeholders to push the helicopter industry in the country towards the future. Hexia 2024 is also expected to be a catalyst for new partnerships, innovative projects and a brighter and more sustainable future for the national helicopter industry.

Among the exhibitors participating in HEXIA are Bruhat Project Logistics from Singapore; Hammock Helicopter & Hammock Robotics from Malaysia; Deinon Insurance Brokers LLC of Dubai, the United Arab Emirates; Helitak Fire Fighting Equipment Pty Ltd and United Aero Helicopter from Australia; and Southern Cross Aviation and Hillsboro Aero Academy from the United States.

Apart from serving as a means to expand the business market among helicopter manufacturers and service users, HEXIA 2024 also features a number of events that families and children can take part, such as operating a helicopter simulator, virtual reality, cosplay photos in a helicopter, and a 15-minute joy flight in the Tangerang sky.

As many as 50,000 visitors are expected to attend HEXIA 2024 during this five-day event.

Reporting by Indonesia Window