RIAT 2006 Press Release
PAKISTAN'S EARTHQUAKE 'THANK-YOU'
A Pakistan aircraft that helped rescue victims of last year's devastating earthquake in the country will fly to the UK this summer as a gesture of thanks for the support it received from the international community.
The giant C-130 Hercules, kitted out to demonstrate its medical evacuation role, will appear at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, on July 15-16. Visitors will be invited to board the aircraft and meet the crew.
It is believed to be the first time a military aircraft from Pakistan has appeared at an airshow in the UK and will bring to 50 the number of countries that have taken part in the Air Tattoo since it was first held in 1971.
A representative of the Pakistan Air Force said the decision to take part in the airshow was taken because of the large number of international air arms that traditionally participated. They also felt the airshow's 'Rapid Global Effect' theme encompassed the range of support delivered during the international relief operation.
He said: “We are grateful to all the nations who helped us so much during last year's earthquake and in particular the Royal Air Force and the US Air Force who worked with us shoulder to shoulder in the relief operations. The Royal International Air Tattoo and its Rapid Global Effect theme gives us the ideal opportunity to say 'thank you'”.
Air Tattoo Director Tim Prince said the Pakistan Air Force's gesture was unprecedented. “For the Pakistan Air Force to want to say 'thank you' in this way indicates the impact the Royal Air Force, the US Air Force and others around the world had in relieving the suffering in their country last year.
“I am delighted they will be joining us. Not only is the Air Tattoo a celebration of aviation but it prides itself on bringing nations together to exchange ideas and forge friendships and I am sure they will make many friends during their visit – that Pakistan should become the 50th nation to join us is simply the icing on the cake.”
Immediately after the earthquake, Royal Air Force aircraft including C-130 Hercules and C-17s carrying CH-47 Chinook heavy lift helicopters, departed RAF Fairford to help deliver aid to the devastated region. The Royal Navy and Army also provided vital support.
US helicopters flew more than 3,300 sorties delivering relief supplies to the disaster area and transported over 15,000 people, including around 4,000 needing medical attention. An additional 250 US military and civilian cargo airlift flights delivered in excess of 7,000 tons of medical supplies, food, shelter material, blankets, and rescue equipment to Pakistan.
In March, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz visited Downing Street to thank UK troops involved in the humanitarian relief effort following the earthquake, which claimed 73,000 lives.
Photo credit: Anthony Osborne
