Mushshak (Urdu word for "Proficient") primary flight trainer built by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) photographed at Walton Aerodrome, Lahore, on April 13, 2002.
ISLAMABAD, May 29 (APP): At an impressive ceremony at the Wonderboom airport in Pretoria, the Mushshak trainer and utility aircraft was launched in South Africa.
According to reports received from South Africa, the ceremony was attended by High Commissioner Ashraf Qureshi, Air Marshal Khalid Chaudhry, Chairman, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, General Ngema of South African Air force, and senior officials of the South African civil Aviation Authority, representatives of the aeronautical industry and flying schools and the media.
The Mushshak, manufactured by the Aircraft Manufacturing Factory at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), Kamra, was first introduced in South Africa at the Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition in Pretoria.
Since then Falco Aviation and Leasing Company of South Africa has introduced the first Mushshak aircraft in the South African Aviation Market.
It was the first time that Mushshak has been sold to a foreign commercial organization by PAC, Kamra.
Mushshak aircraft has a great potential in South Africa, which has 160 flying schools and has the second largest number of privately owned registered aircraft in the world.
Speaking at the launching ceremony of Mushshak High Commissioner Ashraf Qureshi mentioned that the economic and commercial relations between Pakistan and South Africa were well below the actual potential.
He said there was a need for both countries to draw upon each other’s strengths for mutually beneficial relations.
He said the launching of Mushshak was a positive step in the direction and added that he was confident that with the existing political will and the available opportunities bilateral economic and commercial relations would be further strengthened in the near future.
Air Marshal Khalid Chaudhry gave a brief overview of the facilities available at the Pakistan, Aeronautical Complex Kamra and the capabilities of Mushshak aircraft.
He said that the basic philosophy of PAC, Kamra was to earn goodwill and build bridges and that it was not essentially looking for commercial gains.
He added the PAF and PAC, Kamra was ready to offer training facilities to South African pilots, technicians and ground staff.
The acrobatic display by Mushshak at the launching ceremony was greatly appreciated by those present.
During the static display the spectators showed keen interest in the aircraft and its capabilities.
Earlier in the day Air Marshal Khalid Chaudhry called on the South African Deputy Minister of Defence, Mluleki George.
The Air Marshal was accompanied by the High Commissioner and other senior members of the PAC delegation.
Matters of mutual interest were discussed including follow up to the discussions that took place during Deputy Defence Minister’s visit to Pakistan in April this year.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan
