Firstly a great thanks to Cindy Cutting and the awesome ladies for all the arrangements for all the SAAF members and especially for the warm welcoming we all received at Kishugu.

Speaking to the Silver Falcons and Capital Sounds guys in Nelspruit it soon became apparent that the incredibly professional and helpful attitude displayed by all at Kishugu was world class.

The SAAF safety representatives including myself were unfortunately withdrawn from the show in an official capacity a few days before the postponed event so am afraid I cannot send you an official thank you for your outstanding support and organising of the event.

However from a personal perspective I would like to congratulate your team for such an amazing day – even if you had a practise round a few weeks ago…it turned out perfect. The professionalism displayed by your team during the planning, actual event and even into the evening Gala dinner was incredible and myself and others from the SAAF and from Capital Sounds really appreciated the warm Lowveld welcome, support and outstanding friendliness.

You guys did the Lowveld and Kishugu proud and my only request is that you thank your whole team for exceptional service to the public, spectators and community as a whole. As a Presidential pilot I have traveled extensively both locally and internationally but never felt so at home and so welcome – comments echoed by many of the guys I worked with and spoke to at the show.

I attended the show in a personal capacity to see for myself what many had told me in the past. I was incredibly taken by the attitude and friendliness of all at Kishugu and the passion from an extremely focused and talented crew. From my side I will definitely support with better SAAF commitment in the future wherever possible and possibly also with a recruitment team if you so wish. The SAAF and the Aviation sector needs young talent to provided a sustainable industry in the future and many or our pilots come from the lowveld – including one of our present Silver Falcon pilots…!

So from my side – and I am convinced that my feelings are supported by all involved – a sincere congratulations for an absolutely amazing time in the Lowveld at the Kishugu Lowveld Airshow. You guys did not only the Lowveld proud, but South Africa as a whole. The future is in our hands and I for one have not seen such service and support in a long time in our country… Congratulations you guys are World Class…!

Well Done and thank you…

Col Keith Fryer
Officer Commanding 21 (VIP) Squadron
South African Air Force