Success Story: Bat Hawk Aircraft International

South African companies, such as Mpumalanga-based Bat Hawk Aircraft International, are benefiting from the trade and investment opportunities created by South Africa’s BRICS membership. 

BRICS’s created trade and investment opportunities that have allowed Bat Hawk Aircraft International to expand and export its light sport aircraft to other BRICS countries, particularly China and India, with plans to explore the Brazilian market in the future. 

According to Terry Pappas, Managing Director of Bat Hawk Aircraft International, they started exporting to China, after they visited the country on an Outward Selling Mission organised by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the DTIC) in 2015. He says they had a partner in China that assisted them in moving four units as part of the test trial for their aircrafts.

The company has also secured a partnership and export contract worth millions with Max-Link Adventure Sports Club in India, secured on another Outward Selling Mission to India with the DTIC. 

Pappas emphasizes the need for open free trade within BRICS to stimulate economic growth and further enhance trade and investment among member countries.