Group Captain (R) Syed Masood Akhtar Hussaini's exceptional career in the Pakistan Air Force has been marked by numerous accolades, commendation letters, and honors that reflect his outstanding professionalism, courage, and contribution to national defense. He has been personally appreciated by Presidents of Pakistan, Chiefs of Air Staff, and foreign dignitaries including rulers and senior officials from Gulf states.
These acknowledgments are not just ceremonial–they are a testament to a man whose life in the skies shaped every brushstroke on canvas. These honors, both local and international, elevate not only his PAF legacy but also deepen the narrative value and historical significance of his artwork. When you view his paintings, you're not just witnessing art–you're witnessing moments of valor, vision, and lived history.
Lifetime Achievement Award is being bestowed on the artist at a ceremony held in Convention Centre Islamabad. The (Retd) Air Chief Marshal Jamal A Khan and the serving Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwer Khan were both present on the stage- 2019.
Group Captain SMA Hussaini (then a Squadron Leader), the Officially Appointed Aviation Artist of the Pakistan Air Force is awarded the President's Award of Tamgha-i-Basalat for brilliantly depicting the PAF's heritage on canvas. The artist was decorated with the medal by Air Chief Marshal Jamal A Khan at a ceremony held at Air Headquarters, Chaklala 1985
President of Pakistan Rafiq Tarar awarding Gold Medal for Pride of Performance to the artist at a ceremony held at the President's House - 1998.
The long awaited presentation of "FLYING HIGH" to Deputy Under Secretary of the US Air Force for International Affairs, Ms Kelly Seybolt, takes place in her office at the PENTAGON. The book was carried to the USA by Air Marshal Amir Masood. (Courtesy US Embassy, Washington DC)
Hussaini, as an artist of "The American Society of Aviation Artists", had qualified to become an Artist Fellow for Life in the year 1987. He was awarded the Certificate of Fellowship and the Identification Card in the same year at The University of Virginia, USA
Award to the artist Hussaini by Speaker of the National Assembly Mr Asad Qaiser.
International Plastic Modellers Society (IPMS) – Pakistan, Islamabad Chapter, President Omar Aziz Tipu presents the logo of the club to retired Group Captain Syed Masood Akhtar Hussaini, Pakistan's ace aviation artist. — White Star 2002
Letters of commendation and recognition from the Chief of the Air Staff, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, and even international air force leadership speak volumes of his upstanding mastry over depicting the aerial battles on canvas.
In celebration of the Pakistan Air Force's 40th anniversary, his paintings were immortalized on ten commemorative postage stamps by the Government of Pakistan, further solidifying his artistic legacy.
Mirage III
The Mirage IIIs and Vs used for strike, interception and reconnaissance, have been the mainstay of the PAF for almost two decades. Inducted in 1968, the French-built Mirage III was effectively used for day and night air defence as well as offensive roles in the 1971 war. The Mirage VPA 2s and PA 3s, inducted in 1982, are suitable for long-range reconnaissance and air support to friendly naval forces.
