British aviator Tracey Taylor sees Pakistan as 'peaceful land'

Published November 17, 2015
Tracey Taylor arrives at Karachi International Airport. —Online
Tracey Taylor arrives at Karachi International Airport. —Online

KARACHI: British pilot and adventurer Tracey Curtis Taylor, upon landing at Karachi Airport on Tuesday, said she was very impressed by the support and hospitality of the people of Pakistan during her stay at Gwadar and Karachi.

Appreciating the support she received in Pakistan, she said it was "truly astounding and a real honour" to be welcomed by the Pakistani forces, government and locals.

"This adventure was planned one year ago. I was told about the security situation in Pakistan, but things are quite normal. I am carrying a very positive message from Pakistan," she told media at the Princely Jets Lounge of Karachi Airport.

An excited group of photographers and cameramen struggled to have shots of Tracey while landing and coming out of her plane. However, due to security reasons, they were advised to shoot from inside the lounge.

Children greet famous British Pilot Tracey Taylorat Karachi airport. —Online
Children greet famous British Pilot Tracey Taylorat Karachi airport. —Online

Prince Nikolaos of Greece is accompanying the solo pilot in the vintage open cockpit biplane, a 1942 Boeing Stearman.

She will complete her journey from London to Australia in January 2016.

She said Karachi was another important stop in Pakistan after arriving at Gwadar on Monday, and that the welcome she received here was "fantastic".

Read more: Renowned aviator Tracey Taylor lands in Pakistan

The British adventuring pilot said she desired to see Karachi during her short stay till Wednesday, adding that she had heard about Pakistan but very few people had experiences here.

The idea behind her stops in various countries was to meet "maximum people", especially young women to encourage them to take on "every sort of challenge and adventure", including long solo flights.

Children greet famous British Pilot Tracey Taylorat Karachi airport. —Online
Children greet famous British Pilot Tracey Taylorat Karachi airport. —Online

Tracey has undertaken this tour to pay homage to Amy Johnson, the pioneering British aviator and her epic solo flight to Australia in 1930.

She is covering a distance of 13,000 miles and will pass through 23 countries including Pakistan in a biplane on her journey.

Prince Nikolaos of Greece, who is accompanying Tracey, said she is great pilot.

He also praised the hospitality received in Pakistan and thanked Engro Corporation for hosting the event in very graceful manner.

Warm welcomes and best wishes

On the occasion, Engro Corporation Chairman Hussain Dawood said he was "privileged to honour the efforts of Tracey Curtis-Taylor who is a role model for females globally".

"We welcome Tracey Curtis-Taylor to Pakistan and hope that she will continue to inspire the future breed of female adventurers."

Princely Jets Chairman Ghous Akbar said it was an honor to welcome Tracey Curtis-Taylor on her historic mission from London to Australia.

"I hope that we made her trip memorable," he said.

Air Vice Marshal Salman described the sessions at Gwadar and in Karachi as wonderful.

"We wish you very safe journey to Australia," he said.

Deputy High Commissioner of United Kingdom, John A. Tucknott MBE also appreciated her welcome in Pakistan.

He said Tracey's journey was the message to others that every mission could be achieved with commitment.

On Wednesday, Tracey will visit Dawood Public School in Karachi and and meet students.

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