Pilot Smit Machhar, who saved 180 passengers on FlyDubai flight, trained in New Zealand

What happened recently on FlyDubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv has drawn global attention. Indian pilot Smit Machhar foiled a major plot inside the cockpit, setting aside concern for his own life.

Captain Machhar risked his life to save about 180 passengers on board. He was covered in blood, yet showed remarkable composure and courage. Many are now talking about him and his education and career.

Machhar's family is in the textile business. His story shows that one need not dream of becoming a pilot from childhood. An aviation seminar he attended at the age of 19 changed the direction of his life. From the demanding pilot training in New Zealand to more than 13 years of experience on the Boeing 737 fleet, his journey has involved considerable struggle.

After Class 12, Machhar chose a course in textile engineering and then moved towards management. After attending an aviation seminar at 19, he developed a desire to take to the skies. His father welcomed the decision and only said he should find out how and where it could be done. Machhar then went to New Zealand, where he completed pilot training at a cost of Rs 16 to 17 lakh.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Machhar has more than 13 years of commercial flying experience on the Boeing 737 fleet, with over 9,750 hours of safe flying to his name. He began his career with SpiceJet in 2011.

At SpiceJet he served as a line training captain and senior commander. He joined FlyDubai, the UAE's state-owned airline, in June 2022 as a direct-entry captain. He was also part of the first batch of pilots to bring Boeing 737 Max aircraft to India.