Indian students jet into South African city as air school takes off

Bhisho airport – which is being upgraded after being earmarked for international flights during the 2010 soccer World Cup – is soon to be home for aviation students from across the globe.
The Sudanese government has signed a contract with Port Alfred‘s 43 Air School for the training of 180 pilots and 120 aircraft technicians for three years.
Transport MEC Thobile Mhlahlo said 19 students from Rwanda arrive in two weeks‘ time, a group from India by August, and a group from Europe next year.
A Sudanese delegation visited the airport yesterday with representatives of the school and arms manufacturer Denel.
They were shown progress by the provincial transport department with the airport‘s advanced aviation training school, which will be run by 43 Air School.
Completion is set for March, said department spokesman Ncedo Kumbaca, adding that South African Airways had expressed interest in the airport and that more companies were coming forward with proposals.
John Yoh, a member of the Sudanese delegation, said the students would arrive in phases and that 66 would be undergoing training by December.
07/02/08 Dineo Matomela/The Herald Eastern Cape, South Africa