New in the Merpati fleet: the Chinese-built MA-60.

Cabin of a new MA-60.

American instruments in this Chinese-engineered aircraft of Russian basic design.

The MA-60 is a warmed-up An-24.

Making its international debut was the third example built of the 'Modern Ark', an improved version of the MA-60, which was due to be delivered to Lao Airlines after the demonstration role

Way up at the top of the list of things I hoped to shoot in SA was one of these. Incredibly lucky as an Air Zimbabwe pilot's strike ended a couple of days before. Seen here departing for Bulawayo, this is one of three - apparently China made a 'buy two get one free' deal. Of these, Z-WPJ was seriously damaged after collision with five warthogs during take-off at HRE on 3.11.09

Myanmar Airways took delivery of three MA-60s in 2010 but the other two were involved in accidents. I was very pleased to catch this one, which was grounded on 11.6.13, but saw it take off the morning after this shot

A brand new MA-60 taking off at Denpasar.

From China With Love

Of all the exotic aircraft at Manila, for me this was the best, but oh for some sun to light up that fabulous colour scheme! Three were in service then; another stored while one was written off at Caticlan in 1.09