UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has formally honoured Captain Smit Machchhar and the flydubai flight crew who helped save passengers during a cockpit incident aboard flight FZ1073 on September 30.
They were awarded the First Class Order of Zayed II. It is awarded by the UAE President to recognise individuals who have rendered exceptional service, demonstrated outstanding bravery, or made significant contributions to the nation. The honours were presented by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, who commended the crew’s actions and sense of responsibility. You can’t die like this.
In an earlier interview, while recalling the horrific incident where he was gravely injured, the Indian-origin pilot said, “I told myself that, Smit, do something. Talking about the co-pilot who attacked him, he had said, “It was the first time we met… there were some small talks… But nowhere till the point that anything would have caused me to think that, ‘Hey, hold on, there’s something off.’”
The statement added, “The ceremony was attended by H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs; H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and several officials.”
“The crew members thanked His Highness the President and expressed their pride in receiving the honour, which reflects His Highness’ recognition of the values of service, dedication and commitment,” the Government of Dubai said in a statement.
