Dubai: Flydubai’s Captain Machar, who defied death in the sky and saved hundreds of innocent lives, has been awarded Dubai’s prestigious award Order of Zayed II, First Class. When Captain Smit, wearing a brace on his injured hand, arrived with his crew at the ceremony, every eye was filled with pride and respect seeing the passion and dedication of this real hero.
Captain Smit’s respect among the members of the royal families
United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan even hugged Captain Machar. Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and members of the royal families of both emirates were also present on the occasion. On this occasion, the Captain as well as crew members of flydubai were honoured.
What is the significance of ‘Order of Zayed II’ honour?
Let us tell you that ‘Order of Zayed II’ is a prestigious civil and military honor of UAE, which is awarded to personalities who have made extraordinary, courageous and outstanding contributions to the country and society. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, while handing over the medals to the crew members, said that their courage, sense of responsibility and ability to take quick decisions in times of crisis reflect the highest standards of the UAE’s aviation sector.
Lives of 174 passengers and crew were saved in the sky
On September 30, during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, the co-pilot from Oman suddenly attacked the cockpit with the intention of destroying as many lives as possible. In this terrible and dreadful situation, Indian Captain Smit Machar, despite being seriously injured, displayed indomitable courage and unmatched wisdom. Despite suffering pain, he opened the cockpit door, allowing the crew members and passengers to overpower the attacking co-pilot in the rapidly descending aircraft. After this, UAE Attorney General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi had said in a statement on October 9 that the intention of the Omani co-pilot accused in this incident was to harm as many people as possible.
At the same time, let us tell you that PM Modi and Captain Smit Machar have received invitation from Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called and invited PM Modi and Captain Smit Machar to light the torch on Independence Day.