[h=2]Stunning Pakistan Air Force Aircraft Scoops Three Awards at Royal International Air Tattoo Show, UK[/h]
Royal International Air Tattoo show was held at Fairford, UK from 15 to 16 July, 2006. Theme of this year’s event was” Rapid Global Effect”. Pakistan achieved the honour of becoming the 50th nation to participate in this 36th edition of the Air Show. More than 300 aircraft took part in static and aerial display and approximately 200,000 people visited the air show on each day.
Pakistan’s gesture of thanks to the world for their help in last year’s earthquake disaster turned into a spectacular winner at the Royal International Air Tattoo show. Although there were about 300 military and civilian aircraft from around the world on display at the Royal International Air Tattoo, none compared with the artful presentation of the Pakistan Air Force C-130. In addition to vivid scenes of earthquake relief painted on its tail fin, a banner draped over the fuselage displayed its message: "We are grateful for the global support." The aircraft walked away with the Tattoo’s prestigious Concours d’Elegance competition, lifting the Page Aerospace Trophy as well as the BAE Systems’ Trophy for winning the Spirit of the Meet competition. The crew was also presented with an engraved bowl for having the Best Livery at this year’s Air Tattoo. It was presented by Air Tattoo director Tim Prince.” This is a wonderful result and we are elated that the Tattoo judges acknowledged what we wanted to present,” said Wg Cdr Haseeb Gul, who commanded a 19-strong team of aircrew and medical personnel in the medical evacuation configured aircraft. He explained how the extraordinary illustrations were conceived and created. “We all got together, aircrew and ground crew, to discuss what would truly represent the humanitarian teamwork involved last year, “Once we had agreed the general design, the artists and painters were called in and the work was only finished two days before we flew over here.” The aircraft belongs to No.6 Air Transport Support Squadron, founded in 1942 and the oldest squadron in the Pakistan Air Force. Wg Cdr Haseeb and his team were presented with their trophies by Mr. Paul Gibbs, Managing Director of Page Aerospace, and Mr Nigel Whitehead of BAE Systems.
PAF’s brilliant performance and display was appreciated by every one. A grand award giving ceremony was hosted at a gala dinner. Dignitaries from different aviation companies like Boeing, Northrop Grumman, EADS, BAE, Lockheed Martin, Gulfstream and Pratt and whitney graced the occasion. was also present on the occasion. Well thought out theme of the C-130 not only attracted the general public but amongst the visitors were many dignitaries including HRH The Duke of Kent, General Michael W.Hagee, Secretary of the Air Force, USAF, General Manuel Jose Taveira Martins, Chief of Staff Portugese Air Force, HRH Lieutenant General Prince Feisal of Jordon and Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy, Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force. The visitors congratulated the PAF team on their marvelous achievement that brought laurels to Pakistan.