MOSSEL BAY NEWS - This long weekend, Mossel Bay has become the playground for several clients and the top brass of the National Airways Corporation (NAC) as they explore the wonders the town has to offer.
Landing at the Mossel Bay Airfield throughout Thursday morning, 20 March, the aviation clients were welcomed by the NAC personnel, who organised the event, members of Mossel Bay Tourism and Mossel Bay Municipality’s executive mayor, Dirk Kotzé.
NAC is the oldest and most established general aviation company in Africa, and is based at Lanseria International Airport in Johannesburg.
Each year, NAC hosts a fly-away for its customers, and Mossel Bay was chosen as the destination for its 17th one.
NAC’s general manager of aircraft sales, Agnes Phillips, said throughout the years, NAC has hosted an annual fly-away during which the customers arrive with their aircraft at a location in South Africa, different each year, and enjoy a weekend of unique experiences.
NAC clients arrive at the Mossel Bay Airfield on Thursday morning.
“We support local service providers as much as possible, and we let the beauty of the area shine by arranging special events,” said Phillips.
She said the weekends typically include scenic flights, and the customers pilot their own aircraft on a predetermined route, so as best to showcase the region’s unique scenery.
“Our customers come from all walks of life, some retired, some practising surgeons, farmers, businessmen, aviation company specialists and insurers, and engine experts – and they all share a love of aviation,” said Phillips.
After their arrival on Thursday, the group departed for lunch at Jakkalsvlei, a well-known wine farm in Herbertsdale. They will then return to their long-weekend base at Diaz Hotel and Resort where NAC has booked at least 40 rooms for the guests.
Yesterday, 21 March, the party started their day with a tour of the extraordinary local company Super Veloce.
NAC customers arrive in Mossel Bay.
“Paolo Mastrogiuseppe, the owner, is crazy about supercars and aircraft. He has reverse-engineered supercar and jet engines, to the micron, into coffee machines,” said Phillips.
The flyers then had lunch at Café Gannet Restaurant before they returned to the hotel for dinner on the beach.
Today, 22 March, the guests will return to the airfield for their scenic flight. “We will have short timespans between take-offs; all aircraft will fly the same route at the same altitude and speed, with some fun exercises included,” Phillips said.
This afternoon, a guest speaker will address the group at Diaz Hotel, followed by an ABBA-themed party everyone dresses up for. And tomorrow, after Sunday breakfast, the guests will be whisked away to a secret lunch destination.
NAC CEO JP Fourie, Deneys Potgieter, Paul Kruyswijk and Bennie du Plessis.
“Everyone is asked to wear white, cream or natural shades for a magical experience out in the countryside,” Phillips said.
As they finally take off from the airfield in their fabulous flying machines on Monday morning, one supposes some of these aviators will take to the skies with a heavy heart, but will have memories to last a lifetime – and plans to revisit iconic Mossel Bay at the first opportunity.
“We know our visit brings several hundreds of thousands of rands to your area, and we hope our guests will return with their families and provide further support in future,” said Phillips.
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