MANGALURU: “I was glad to see the smiles on the faces of the students after landing in India that I did my duty to help my countrymen, and felt a strong sense of patriotism.” These were the words of the captain Michael SaldanhaPilot with Air India Express, one of the captains who commanded the flights Operation GangaTo rescue medical students trapped in war-torn Ukraine.
Over the past four days, he and his team were able to bring back 182 students from Bucharest, Romania, and 185 students from Budapest, Hungary. “Interestingly, I’ve never been in this area in my more than 13-year flying career,” Michael said. Two years ago, he was also a part of Vande Bharat Mission and operated before VBM flight.
“Air India Express has never operated flights to this part of the world; Therefore only experienced training captains such as examiners, instructors and check pilots were appointed for these evacuation flights. In fact, it was a first for all of us. The day before the flight, the entire cockpit crew was given special training in cold weather operations, ”explained Michael, a resident of Valencia.
The empty flight took off from Mumbai on 5 March. The flight had a 1.5-hour stopover in Bucharest where 182 students were on board. The return leg from Bucharest to Mumbai halted in Kuwait for refueling and catering lift.
Michael credits his crew members for this splendid job. “Despite the long and exhausting flight, the crew ensured that all the students were comfortable and well looked after,” he said.
“It was very touching to hear the difficulties they faced. For almost a week they lived in underground bunkers, sleeping on the floor amid a lack of food supplies. Despite facing this horrific experience, they all had smiles on their faces – happy and relieved to be home safely with their loved ones. Salute to these brave students. They are real heroes. Salute and respect,” he said.
on 6th March, Michael Operated a flight from Kuwait to Mumbai with 185 students evacuated from Budapest, Hungary.
Over the past four days, he and his team were able to bring back 182 students from Bucharest, Romania, and 185 students from Budapest, Hungary. “Interestingly, I’ve never been in this area in my more than 13-year flying career,” Michael said. Two years ago, he was also a part of Vande Bharat Mission and operated before VBM flight.
“Air India Express has never operated flights to this part of the world; Therefore only experienced training captains such as examiners, instructors and check pilots were appointed for these evacuation flights. In fact, it was a first for all of us. The day before the flight, the entire cockpit crew was given special training in cold weather operations, ”explained Michael, a resident of Valencia.
The empty flight took off from Mumbai on 5 March. The flight had a 1.5-hour stopover in Bucharest where 182 students were on board. The return leg from Bucharest to Mumbai halted in Kuwait for refueling and catering lift.
Michael credits his crew members for this splendid job. “Despite the long and exhausting flight, the crew ensured that all the students were comfortable and well looked after,” he said.
“It was very touching to hear the difficulties they faced. For almost a week they lived in underground bunkers, sleeping on the floor amid a lack of food supplies. Despite facing this horrific experience, they all had smiles on their faces – happy and relieved to be home safely with their loved ones. Salute to these brave students. They are real heroes. Salute and respect,” he said.
on 6th March, Michael Operated a flight from Kuwait to Mumbai with 185 students evacuated from Budapest, Hungary.