Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
Zimbabwe’s aviation fraternity on Wednesday bid an emotional farewell to one of its most accomplished pilots, Captain Charles Chikosi, who retired after an illustrious 43-year career that saw him accumulate an impressive 20 500 flying hours.
Captain Chikosi made his final landing as Pilot in Command when Fastjet Flight FN8008 from Victoria Falls touched down at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport at 1.14pm.
His arrival marked the end of an era and was celebrated with a spectacular water cannon salute before he walked through a guard of honour formed by fellow pilots, cabin crew and members of the Fastjet family.
The Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) paid tribute to the veteran aviator in a post on its official Facebook page, describing his retirement as the conclusion of a remarkable career dedicated to the aviation industry.
“Today marked the emotional end of an era as Fastjet’s beloved Captain Charles Chikosi completed his final touchdown as Pilot in Command, landing flight FN8008 from Victoria Falls at R.G. Mugabe International Airport to a breathtaking water cannon salute and a proud guard of honour formed by fellow pilots, cabin crew and the entire Fastjet family,” said ACZ.
The company traced Captain Chikosi’s aviation journey back to 1983 when he joined the industry as a Boeing 707 Flight Engineer before progressing to the cockpit as a pilot at the age of 31.
“Captain Chikosi’s extraordinary journey began in 1983 as a Boeing 707 Flight Engineer before he answered the call to command the flight deck at the age of 31, going on to accumulate an incredible 16 500 flight hours across global skies and culminating in a monumental 20 500 total flying hours over 43 years in aviation,” the company said.
hailed Captain Chikosi’s unwavering professionalism, commitment to safety and immense contribution to Zimbabwe’s aviation sector throughout his distinguished career.
“ACZ joins the entire nation in celebrating his remarkable dedication, unwavering professionalism and towering legacy in our skies, wishing him blue skies and smooth sailing in his well-deserved retirement,” the company said.
Captain Chikosi’s retirement brings to a close more than four decades of service during which he safely transported thousands of passengers and became one of the country’s most respected aviators, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of pilots.
