The dream of flying under the wings of the national carrier Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) is a step closer to becoming a reality for seven local youth accepted in RB 54th intake of cadet pilot programme yesterday.
Muhammad Hafiy Rusyduddin bin Haji Abdul Hadi who has a degree in aeronautical science, said, “I am grateful to finally be able to join my dream airline. When I was a kid, the first airplane I fell in love with was a Royal Brunei Airlines 767. It’s a dream come true to be part of the company.”
The 25-year-old said, “It’s a dynamic job, I love to be able to travel and see the world as well as get to meet people across cultures. Every day will be a different experience, so I am really excited.”
Awangku Abdul Wafi bin Pengiran Mohd Noor Joffren said, “I am very happy to be accepted as one of the cadet pilots after waiting for four years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I got a pilot licence on my own in New Zealand six months before the pandemic hoping to get on the previous cadet pilot programme. Unfortunately, I couldn’t and I almost gave up. My parents advised me to keep going and to not give up on my dreams. Finally, today is my day. I just had to believe it would happen.”
He added, “Ever since I was young, I’ve always wanted to be a pilot because it is a very special and different career. I am very much motivated to work hard for this career.
“I would like to thank my parents and my family for always supporting me during tough times. The past four years weren’t easy. I am glad that it’s over now and I would like to thank RB for giving me this opportunity to be part of the national carrier.”
Meanwhile, Muhammad Najiullah Al-Aqiel bin Dr Mohammad Adi Zaky said, “Alhamdulillah, I have been selected as the cadet pilot under RB. It has been a very long and tough journey especially during the selection process. But this is just the beginning. We still need to pass our examination and I pray that all of us will successfully become RB Pilots.“
The 24-year-old aspiring pilot also shared, “Becoming a pilot is actually my childhood dream, I still remember when I was young, I asked my mum who was the person flying the airplane, and she replied, ‘A pilot’. From that moment on, I said to myself that I would like to become a pilot when I grew up. I started to learn more about aviation and learn everything there is to know about it.”
He added, “I would like to thank my family, especially my parents, my colleagues and friends for their support throughout the years.” – James Kon
