Air Taxi … Khalil Othman’s memory and a dream awaits the flight
In the 1960s and 1970s of the last century, the air taxi was not only a means of transport, but rather a symbol of a daring national vision adopted by the Sudanese businessman, Major Khalil Othman, may God have mercy on him. He thought that Sudan, with its tentacular extensions and distant regions, needed small wings that transport people from one state to another, shorten distances and open the doors to development and communication, our past is full of paradoxes.
The experience of the air taxi at the time was a precedent civilized, because it allowed citizens to move quickly between the cities, to link the campaign to the capital and to open the perspectives of trade, education and health, but – and like other entrepreneurial projects – the air taxi has decreased over time, and it missed the Sudan sky, leaving an impact on memory.
Today, with the revolution of technology and modern aviation, the question refers urgent: when do we rest this dream?
The world is now talking about urban air mobility, and we need what we are, in particular with exhausted earth road conditions, the widening of the country and the challenges of security and services.
In Rwanda and Kenya, we have an inspiring example; They preceded the introduction of light aircraft and drones (DRON) to transport drugs, blood and medical supplies to remote areas. In Kenya in particular, experimental projects for the urban air taxi began, according to small electrical plans that are managed with modern technologies. These African experiences prove that ambition is not exclusive to Europe, America and Asia, but can also be located in our continent.
The end of the idea of air taxi in Sudan is not a luxury, but rather a development, an economic and security necessity. Hospitals must quickly transfer patients and supplies, and members of the members must transfer their products to the markets, and students need a link that summarizes the hassle of long trips.
When we restore this experience with a new spirit, we are faithful to the memory of men such as Khalil Uthman, who were not satisfied with the dream, but who rather transformed the dream into a project and the project in reality. As if his condition said:
“Get wings for your dreams … Earth alone is not enough!”
These are not only small planes, but a symbol of a possible rebirth, and a bridge that connects the periphery of the country, and proof that Sudan is able to get up from its ashes, while birds rise from the rubble and fly again.
God is the guardian of success
