CJ Logistics delivers two KAI T-50i jets to Indonesia

CJ Logistics officials prepare two T-50i jet trainers for transport to Indonesia at Incheon International Airport in this undated photo, released Tuesday. Courtesy of CJ Logistics

CJ Logistics has successfully transported two T-50i advanced trainer jets manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to Indonesia, demonstrating its capability in handling military equipment requiring the highest levels of security and precision, the Korean logistics company said Tuesday.

The aircraft, produced in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, were delivered safely to an Indonesian Air Force base after undergoing a complex logistics process that included domestic inland transportation, air shipment, customs clearance and local ground delivery.

Each aircraft, weighing about 30 tons and measuring approximately 13 meters in length and 4.8 meters in height, required meticulous planning to ensure safe transport.

During the inland transportation phase, the company conducted a detailed “road survey” to analyze structural clearances and turning radii along the route, preventing potential collisions with bridges, traffic signs and other roadside structures. The survey also took into account local road conditions in Indonesia.

The domestic inland segment covered roughly 530 kilometers from Sacheon to Incheon International Airport, while the Indonesian ground transport segment spanned about 200 kilometers from Juanda International Airport to the designated air base.

CJ Logistics said it also leveraged its extensive experience in designing air routes, analyzing overflight permit feasibility by country to establish an optimal route through four nations to ensure stable and secure transport.

According to a company official, the aircraft were transported in a modular format, separated into four major components — fuselage, wings, vertical stabilizer and engine — before being reassembled at the destination.

“To prevent potential damage under Indonesia’s tropical monsoon climate, waterproof covers were prepared in advance for each component to protect the aircraft even in rainy conditions,” the official said.

CJ Logistics has recently carried out a series of high-profile defense logistics projects. These include transporting fighter jet simulators to Poland and delivering T-50TH aircraft to Thailand.