DUBAI: Fakhr-e-Alam, a Dubai-based Pakistani entrepreneur, is set to start the journey of his dreams on Saturday — Oct. 6.
In his “Mission Parwaaz” (Mission Flying), Alam will circumnavigate the globe in 29 days, touching 31 cities across the world. He will be flying Swiss aircraft Pilatus PC12 to cover 26,000 nautical miles distance as solo pilot in only 112 flying hours.
Speaking to Arab News, before leaving for the US, Alam said he is thrilled that finally his dream is close to becoming a reality.
(Photo supplied by Fakhr-e-Alam)
“My attempt to become the first Pakistani in the history of the world to circumnavigate the globe is finally happening. I start from Florida, US, on Oct. 6 at 7 a.m. and if all goes well, I will be returning in 29 days,” said 42-year-old Alam, who got his pilot’s license from the US in 2015.
Alam will have a stop in Dubai for a day, on Oct. 11, before heading for Karachi. Mission Parwaaz has been dedicated to the people of Pakistan. “I owe it to my home country, Pakistan. I wanted to do something so that my country will always feel proud of me.”
Alam, however, realized that the project won’t be a joyride. “Two years ago, a Pakistani father-son duo lost their lives in the Pacific Ocean while trying to achieve the same ambition,” he said.
(Photo supplied by Fakhr-e-Alam)
He said that, with his limited hours of flying, he may face challenges. “But for sure, I won’t do any unnecessary adventure, especially during the bad weather. I will not take risks if the weather is questionable.”
He will be the only pilot on the plane, but will be accompanied by one technical support person.
The 29 days of Mission Parwaaz will cost him $480,000. Alam said he managed the fund with the support of two American companies, one American friend and the rest from his own hard-earned savings.
