Indonesian Aircraft Maker To Open Factory In Alabama

JAKARTA - Indonesia's state-owned aircraft maker has picked Mobile, Ala., as its site to assemble the N-250 turboprop plane, Research and Technology Minister Jusuf Habibie said today.

He said Industri Pesawat Terbang Nusantara (IPTN) will sign an agreement with the Alabama state government in June.

IPTN had short-listed Mobile and Macon, Ga., as possible sites for the $100 million venture.

He said IPTN aimed to grab a share of the U.S. turboprop airline market with its N-250, a medium-haul 70-seat commuter plane due to make its maiden flight this year.

He said IPTN would eventually hold a 40 percent stake in the U.S. venture, American Regional Aircraft Industry. IPTN's North American headquarters is in Seattle.