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.
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”.
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.
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.
