The Malawi Defence Force has taken delivery of two MA600 transport aircraft from the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC).
The aircraft were readied for export in February this year, with Malawi’s Ambassador to China, Allan Chintedza, taking part in the aircraft acceptance process.
After a five-day flight from Kunming Changshui International Airport in China, the aircraft landed at Blantyre-Chileka International Airport on 18 July, where they were welcomed by Chinese and Malawian officials. One is painted in a civilian-style blue and white scheme, while the other features military-style grey paint.
the aircraft (MAF-T10 and MAF-T12) will be used to assist in transporting Malian soldiers to peacekeeping missions as well as ferrying top government officials, including the President. This will cut costs considerably, as it will no longer be necessary to charter aircraft for these missions.