ITB Aerospace Engineering Students Create ‘Sagara Angkasa’ Cargo Airline, an Innovative Air Cargo Solution for Indonesia’s Logistics Industry
By Syabina Er Said - Mahasiswa Teknik Dirgantara, 2020
Editor M. Naufal Hafizh, S.S.
They have developed an air cargo shipping system that utilizes belly cargo capacity (the cargo space beneath passenger aircraft) to transport goods, with a primary focus on shipping tuna from Indonesia to Japan. Traditionally, this shipment relies on sea routes, which take a significantly long time.
Group leader Wisnu Haryo Nugroho explained that Sagara Angkasa, with its motto “Sea to The Sky,” aims to fill the market gap for fast international shipping, which has not been widely explored. “While companies like PT. FTI Japan rely on ships to transport fish from Indonesia to Japan, the process is highly time-consuming and often unsuitable for products requiring quick delivery. We offer a more efficient solution by utilizing aircraft, specifically making use of available belly cargo space,” said Wisnu.
According to Wisnu, using aircraft for cargo shipments enables significantly faster delivery times, which is crucial for commodities like fish that require rapid handling to maintain their quality. Currently, they are collaborating with Garuda Indonesia as the aircraft operator, with future expansion plans that include utilizing other commercial airlines.
emphasized their dedication to completing this project. "We don't just see technology as a tool for convenience but as a real solution to address real-world challenges. Technology can help us reduce reliance on conventional methods that are time-consuming and costly," he stated.
Aafreen added, "We believe that our innovation is not just about fulfilling an academic assignment but also about making a real contribution to the advancement of the logistics industry, especially in Indonesia, which has immense potential in the export sector, particularly in marine commodities."
The uniqueness of Sagara Angkasa lies in the lack of direct competitors offering similar services in the current market. Most international shipments, especially fish exports from Indonesia to Japan, still rely on sea freight, which takes longer and has capacity limitations. Sagara Angkasa leverages aircraft to address this issue, focusing on belly cargo, allowing for faster deliveries without the need of another additional specific cargo planes.
Ferro, another team member, stated that this innovation has great potential to transform international shipping. "By utilizing aircraft, particularly by optimizing belly cargo, which is often underutilized, we can provide a faster and more efficient shipping solution. We also focus on specific commodities that require quick handling, such as tuna or skipjack, which are highly sensitive to quality and delivery time," he explained.
Sagara Angkasa aims to expand its business by increasing aircraft capacity and shipping routes, which is expected to support Indonesia’s growing logistics industry. With this breakthrough, they not only provide a solution for fast cargo delivery but also create opportunities to enhance Indonesia’s competitiveness in the international market.
"Our system is the first step toward creating a more efficient air cargo shipping industry, not only for Indonesia but also for the global market. We hope this idea can evolve into a sustainable business model with a positive impact on the logistics sector," said Dio. The FMAE ITB Student Poster and Product Exhibition served as a platform for students to showcase innovations that are ready to make an impact in the industry. The breakthrough presented by Sagara Angkasa is a tangible example of how creative thinking, collaboration, and technology can develop practical solutions that reshape the industry landscape.
The FMAE ITB Student Poster and Product Exhibition served as a platform for students to showcase innovations that are ready to make an impact in the industry. The breakthrough presented by Sagara Angkasa is a tangible example of how creative thinking, collaboration, and technology can develop practical solutions that reshape the industry landscape.
Reporter: Syabina Er Said (Teknik Dirgantara, 2020)
Translator: Indira Akmalia Hendri
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