Air traffic at PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) Jobsite has increased for the next six months due to the addition to the air fleet at Jobsite of a new helicopter operated by Nyaman Air. Among other tasks, this helicopter will transport employees and their families to Tembagapura, the mine town, which is the subject of International Mining’s November article on this great operation.

PTFI Executive Vice President – Technical Services Jeff Monteith: “This helicopter will help support company operations. The Mi-8 helicopter also will provide additional services of transporting emergency supplies to the highlands, including medicine and food.”

“I am glad and proud that in the current situation the company shows its care for employees by facilitating transport for those who are going on leave or on company business trips. I hope this new transport will motivate employees to be more productive,” said PTFI Superintendent – Underground Production Gerard Wakum, who flew in the helicopter with his family from Timika to Tembagapura.

“If weather permits, the helicopter will fly three to four times a day,” explained Manager – AVCO Airport Subagyo Hadidjan.

This Russian-made helicopter has a 26-seat capacity and can carry 4 t of cargo. The Mi-8 weighs 12 t and has a maximum speed of 250 km/h. Full length including rotor is 25.2 m, at 18.2 m wide and 5.65 m high; the body is 2.5 m wide. Despite its size, the Mi-8 can travel a normal distance of 460 km. With extra fuel it could fly for up to 950 km.