Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), said on Tuesday that Pakistan-China joint production JF-17 Thunder fighter jet had bright prospects in the international aviation market. It had many added features, which made it much more attractive than any other fighter-aircraft of its category, said the Air Chief.
A low price tag and much less maintenance and operational cost compared to the other planes of its class made it attractive for the buyers, he added. The PAF Chief said this while talking to the media after attending the eighth China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition that would continue here at China's southern coastal city neighbouring Macau, till November 21.
35 countries and regions are participating in the six-day exhibition. Chinese Vice Premier, Zhang Dejiang was the chief guest at the show. Former Prime Minister Li Peng and PLA Air Chief and senior party leaders were also present on this occasion. Pakistan, having the second biggest fleet of aircraft after host China, is participating for the first time in this exhibition. As many as 10 K-8 trainer aircraft and three JF-17 fighters are taking part in the show that demonstrates the all-weather and time-tested friendship between the two countries.
While talking about the plane, the Chief of Air Staff commented that it had all state-of-the-art features. He particularly mentioned its supreme avionics essential for a modern combat aircraft. "There is likely to be big demand of this type of aircraft in the international market, as it meets all the requirements that are needed by a modern air force, at a very affordable price," he said.
To a question regarding further expansion of co-operation between Pakistan Air Force and China, Rao Qamar Suleman replied that the two brotherly neighbouring countries had a long history of co-operation in all fields particularly defence. He expressed the confidence that with the passage of time those bonds of friendship would further consolidate.
Talking to newsmen on this occasion, Pakistan's Ambassador to China Masood Khan said this air show had epitomised Pakistan-China relations. "Today is a great day for both Pakistan and China", he said, adding that F-17's demonstration was spectacular as well as professional. Three JF-17 fighter planes are participating in this air show. One of these has been put on display for general public as well as for prospective buyers while others are performing aerobatics.
Another manifestation of this friendship was that immediately after the-state-of-art J-10 aerobatics by PLA Air Force, PAF pilots were invited to demonstrate their aerobatic skills on the JF-17 Thunder. As the single-seat, fighter plane appeared for the first time in the Chinese skies, the pilot stunned thousands of spectators with a spectacular show of aerobatics that lasted for nearly 10 minutes.
Another attraction of the day was the formation aerobatic show by PAF Sherdils, on China made K-8 trainer aircraft, which also mesmerised the audience. Replying to a question, the Sherdil pilots regarded K-8 planes as stable, fuel efficient and fitted with best performing turbo engine.
With an exhibition area approaching 23,000 square meters, the show has attracted about 600 exhibitors and is showcasing nearly 70 commercial and military aircraft of different models. To mark the importance of this event, the Air Force of People's Liberation Army of China also put on display a series of aircraft, which participated in the 60th National Day Parade on October 1, 2009.
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