Dr BJ Habibie took a quick stroll down memory lane during his press briefing yesterday.
Indonesia's effervescent Minister for Research and Technology reflects on his first Paris air show 42 years ago when, as a poor student, lunch meant an apple with bread, and accommodation was strictly budget.
His dream at that time, he says, was to come back in his own aircraft, but as an engineer, responsible for the flaps, or maybe even the landing gear.
He proudly points to his arrival for the current show in his own aircraft, the IPTN N250 turboprop, a product of the Indonesian state aerospace company which he now heads.
Accompanied by a senior ministerial delegation, Dr Habibie heralds the arrival of the N250 at the show as a milestone in his country's aerospace industry.
IPTN reports smooth progress on the certification programme, with two additional aircraft slated to join the two original prototypes in early 1988. IPTN targets Indonesian airworthiness approval for early 1999, immediately followed by JAA and later FAA certification, although Dr Habibie concedes delays for the planned launch customer Gulfstream in the absence of bilateral airworthiness agreements.
He indicates a final assembly line in the region could be considered if steady sales are achieved.
As of 1 June 1, IPTN reports letters of intent for more than 200 aircraft, with firm orders for 26. He forecasts that his N2130 twin jet aircraft will fly by the year 2002 - and promises an appearance at Le Bourget the following year.
Source: Flight Daily News