One of the recent positive events that took place in the world of aviation concerning Pakistan is when The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and its partner the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra signed the deal to sell the JF-17 Thunder to an unnamed customer at the Dubai Air Show. Similar kinds of deals between late friends, Pakistan and China have been taking place in the past as well. Last year, similar kind of statement deal was made between Pakistan and China at the Paris Air Show as well.
In the recent years, China has speeded up the process to create lightweight fighter, commonly known as the FC-1 Xiaolong. This process was geared up to aim for the low-end of the international fighter market. This recent contract for the purchase of JF-17 Thunder between China and Pakistan is a third party contract done for the co-development and marketing of several years amongst the two states.
Pakistan and china will both develop their abilities and improve their skills through co-development of JF-17 Thunder. This aircraft would later become a Blue Ocean product having marketing potentials to make a perfect substitute for second-generation fighters in many countries’ air force. Historically, Pakistan is now in partnership with china but it was the first and the only customer for the Chinese jet, which was not operated by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), in the past.
After this JF-17, aging warplanes in Islamabad’s arsenal, such as, Chengdu F-7, Mirage III, Mirage V and the A-5 Fatan strike would be replaced by the perfect Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon. It is a moment for pride for Pakistan because, Pakistani army currently had around 60 F-17 fighters and it can buy around 40 more jets in the future. However, this was not the only good news concerning aviation in Pakistan that came out as a result of the deal between China and Pakistan.
Local airline business deals were also made, which are very beneficial for the people of Pakistan and for the economy of the country. People of Pakistan are always looking for cheap air tickets while travelling. Cheap air tickets are needed because there are hundreds of local trips made for business purposes in the country every day. This venture between Pakistan and China will enable airlines to improve their services by giving cheaper air tickets to people and eventually enhancing the business.
