One of Qatar Airways’ founding Boeing 777 pilots retires after 26 years

Published: 7 November 2024

NT Bureau
Doha

A Qatar Airways Boeing 777 pilot, who has been serving the airline for 30 years since its inception in 1993, has retired.

Captain Jamil Areeki’s friend and co-workers planned a surprise send-off for him as he flew the 777 as Pilot-in-command for the last time in his career. Qatar Airways shared a video of the send-off party in its LinkedIn account.

Captain Jamil is one of the founding pilots of Qatar Airways. His colleague and Senior Manager of Flight Standards, Amin Suleiman Qush, changed the roster of Captain Jamil and he co-piloted the 777 with him.
Other senior and junior pilots greeted him and one of the managers presented him with a certificate appreciating his work with the Doha-based carrier, the video showed.

Captain Jamil expressed his delight and said, “It’s the end of my career as a pilot. I contributed a little bit to building the airline. I was part of the founding pilot team. I have been supported by management in the fleet training. I have seen the world traveling using the excellent travel benefits. What I can say more? Thanks, everyone.”

Qatar Airways shared this memory of Captain’s last flight and wrote: “As Captain Jameel prepares for his final journey before retirement, he is met with an unexpected and heartfelt surprise from his colleagues, celebrating not only his remarkable career but also the inspiring legacy he leaves behind. This moment is a tribute to his dedication and the countless lives he has touched throughout his flying years.”

Qatar Airways has more than 4,000 pilots who operate a fleet of around 280 aircraft across 170 destinations, according to a report in aviationa2z.com website.