Malawi to host aviation show

The Phantom Aviation Group is set to host an airshow at the Old Lilongwe Airport tomorrow.

In an interview on Wednesday, Phantom Aviation representative Yolanda Kaunda, a Malawi Airlines captain, said the event, which has attracted about 14 performers, will involve a showcase of aircraft and a career show for children from various public and private schools.

“We hope to bring more awareness and information for people seeking to pursue careers in the field,” she said.

Kaunda was speaking on the sidelines of a symbolic presentation of a full fuel sponsorship by Puma Energy Malawi.

Puma Energy Malawi managing director Sipho Uaeca said the airshow will contribute to the aviation sector, which is a big player in Malawi’s tourism sector.

“We are confident that some of the children will decide to join the aviation sector upon learning more about the various careers and opportunities that exist for them,” he said.

Besides Puma Energy Malawi, other sponsors include Nyasa Air Express, Wapona Kita of Kita and Company, Dika Construction and Luthando Holdings.

Some of the performers include Nigel Hopkins, a South African who works for Boeing and has won several airshow championships with his Extra 330sc and Jason Beamish, a 34-year-old South African who started flying in his father’s farm at nine and has since flown 200 types of aircraft, with an Extra 330sc.  

Others are Malawian Airlines with its Boeing 737-800, Malawi Airforce with their Donier, Gazelles and the MA600, Derek Macpherson with his Bat Hawk, African Parks with its Foxbat, Nyasa Express with their Caravan, FCB Bank with their King Air, Makokola Retreat with their Cirrus, Conforzi Plantations with their Crop Dusters as well as drone operators.