Exploring the Cargo Potential: A Comprehensive Analysis of Kertajati Airport

Abstract

Kertajati Airport was constructed to cater the growing demand from West Java Province and its surrounding areas, aiming to address the limitations faced by the previous airport, Husein Sastranegara International Airport in Bandung. The intention was to relieve pressure from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and accommodate passengers from the former airport. However, since its inauguration in 2018, the airport's activities have fallen short of initial expectations. In response to this challenge, the West Java Provincial Government has strategized to reposition Kertajati Airport as a dedicated cargo-centric facility, aiming to pivot its focus to a financial solution. This study encompasses an in-depth analysis of the cargo potential, considering the key commodities within West Java, strategies for cargo transfer from Soekarno-Hatta and Husein Sastranegara airports, estimated travel time and associated costs to Kertajati Airport, and the most efficient aircraft types for cargo transportation. The findings reveal that Kertajati Airport's catchment area encompasses 19 districts/cities (70%) within West Java and 3 districts/cities (9%) in Central Java. The demand forecasting analysis projects the volume for international and domestic cargo in 2028 originating from Soekarno-Hatta Airport, indicating a 13% transfer, are 62 tons and 56 tons, respectively. Concurrently, the anticipated demand volume for international and domestic cargo transfer from Husein Sastranegara Airport in 2023 are 4 tons and 30 tons, respectively. The concentration of cargo potential lies prominently in areas rich in key commodities, notably Bandung City, Bandung Barat District, Tasikmalaya District, Garut District, and Sumedang District. The results indicate that there is a potential to promote the Kertajati Airport into a cargo-centric facility. More deep research with more data will give more confidence to focus in developing this facility.