Following significant repairs, the Punjab government now owns the aircraft that belonged to the Chief Minister of Punjab. The repaired aircraft is currently undergoing test flights and should be operational shortly.
The American company that imported some parts to Lahore from the US helped with the repairs, according to the channel. Besides, the Chief Minister’s airplane had some parts transported to the United States for repairs.
The aircraft is currently being tested to guarantee complete functionality and safety following these repairs before it is returned to regular service.
Additionally, repairs are being made in Germany for the six-seater Beechcraft Hawker, which was grounded in 2015 due to a mechanical malfunction. The chief minister’s transportation options will be expanded with its delivery anticipated by the end of the current month.
The chief minister’s 12-seater plane was purchased by the provincial administration following the accident of its helicopter in Afghanistan last year. Instead, a new helicopter was to be bought, and the original idea was abandoned.
The aircraft being fixed in Germany and the downed helicopter were purchased in 2004 by the previous administration of Pervaiz Elahi.
Negotiators managed to buy the 16-seater Russian MI-17 helicopter for about Rs1.50 billion on Tuesday, according to official sources, despite it being worth much more. It was successfully tested throughout three days of operation following its assembly in Lahore. Thereafter, the chief minister has conducted field trips there.
The only automobile that isn’t armored is a Mercedes Benz, which is said to be worth Rs 22 million, and is being bought for “the government of Punjab.” Still, it would be defended on the ground.
The sources stated that the purpose of the “detour” was not to save money but rather to save time and trouble while obtaining the federal government’s required approval for the purchase of an armoured (bulletproof) car.
Reportedly, the six-seater aircraft that was grounded was transported to its German manufacturers for diagnosis and repair of a technical malfunction. By the end of this month, the sources added, the plane should be returned after the defect had been identified and fixed. The sources stated that the provincial government will be notified thereafter, but they were unsure of the cost of the repairs.
