GEORGE NEWS - VIPs from the China-based company Avic International Aero-Development Corporation (Avic), came to George on Tuesday 27 March to attend the handover of two aircraft at Avic International Flight Training Academy (Aifa).

The two light aircraft LE500 will be used by Aifa training bases in George, Oudtshoorn and Beaufort West. Avic chairman Prof Zhang Guangjian, who flew in from Beijing, said the occasion marks the rapid expansion of the academy and strengthens the excellent trade relations between China and South Africa.

Aifa's newly appointed CEO Pikkie Siebrits said Aifa is proud that Avic has chosen to introduce the aircraft to South Africa through their training academies. "This brings our fleet to 41 training aircraft. "Since 2011, Aifa has trained 600 pilots and instructors for many airlines in China and Africa."

The LE500 is manufactured by China Aviation Industry General Aircraft (Caiga). Caiga's president Prof Zhangdon Cui said the two aircraft will inject new strength into Aifa and write a new chapter in the regional aviation cooperation between China and Africa.

For the first time, in the next intake, five female Chinese cadets will undergo pilot training at Oudtshoorn and George.

Technician training
Guangjian said Avic foresees the possible future expansion of Aifa's operation with the building of an African aviation technology training centre in Oudtshoorn where aircraft mechanics, technicians and support staff will be trained. Local and African students will also be admitted for pilot training.

'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'