Pakistan Buys Two Calibration Aircraft

Source: Hawker Beech Corporation    Author:    06/19/2008

Subject Concerned: Government   Aircraft   Airport   

Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority has acquired two new King Air 350s as calibration aircraft that will arrive in the country at the end of current month, official sources said.

Official sources said that these aircraft have a cost US$15.2 million.

The aviation regulatory authority had signed purchasing contracts with US company Hawker Beech Corporation in September last year after conducting various studies of aircraft model that were suited for Pakistan's airports.

The primary purpose of purchasing these is to fulfill the country's needs, as Pakistan has 43 airports including nine international airports, which needs to be maintained in accordance with international aviation rules, officials told Daily Times.

There are 3 King Air 350s operated as calibration aircraft under Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

Calibration aircraft is a special kind of aircraft, which examines the airport communication systems, landing, navigation and visual aids, for safe operation of air traffic as per the guidelines given by International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). These systems direct the landing and flying positions to pilots who arrive and depart from an airport.

CAA officials told that these advanced calibration system aircraft would also provide services on commercial basis to other countries according to its business plan, currently being prepared by the CAA.

CAA provides quality services at reasonable rates. In fact, many countries prefer Pakistan instead of other service providers, he added. "Having two new aircraft, Pakistan is focusing to enhance its business through extending its calibration services to the other countries keeping in view the lucrative market of Middle Eastern, Central Asian and African countries."

However, the existing aircraft have become old and the country has lost its demand owing to lack of advanced technology, the official added.