FlyDubai co-pilot accused of Israel-bound airstrike trained in UK, New Zealand: What we know | Today’s news
The FlyDubai co-pilot accused of attempted murder and a suicide mission on an Israel-bound flight underwent pilot training in the UK and New Zealand, according to The Telegraph, as authorities investigate his background following an alleged cockpit attack.
Hamam al-Hammami, 29, trained with the L3 Airline Academy between 2018 and 2019, according to the newspaper. The company is now part of Acron Aviation, which said it would assist with any investigation, the report said.
His training history is among the details being investigated as authorities in several countries piece together al-Hammami’s movement and career before the alleged attack.
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Hamam al-Hammami allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv with an axe, causing a significant drop in altitude before the passengers and crew intervened.
His training history in the UK and New Zealand is under scrutiny as authorities try to understand his background and any red flags before the alleged attack.
Despite serious injuries, Captain Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to help subdue the co-pilot and stabilize the aircraft.
Given the events surrounding al-Hammami’s tenure and previous dismissal from Oman Air over concerns, the incident raises questions about the adequacy of background checks for pilots.
The Israeli government identified al-Hammami as the co-pilot involved and took steps to strengthen security protocols and investigate the aviation security implications of the incident.
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Where did Hamam al-Hammami train?
Al-Hammami was enrolled at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, from 2015 to 2017, but did not complete an engineering qualification, according to the report.
He later traveled to New Zealand, where he completed flight training for a UK-based company between November 2018 and May 2019, New Zealand Deputy Commissioner Michael Johnson said in a statement.
Al-Hammami was in New Zealand on a six-month student visa, Johnson said. Police continue to investigate how he spent his time in the country.
According to The Telegraph, the training arrangements at the time allowed cadets to undergo ground training in Southampton, southern England, before traveling to New Zealand for flight training.
Al-Hammami’s training with the L3 Airline Academy took place between 2018 and 2019, the newspaper reported.
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What happened on the FlyDubai flight?
The Israeli government identified al-Hammami as the pilot who allegedly attempted to hijack a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.
He allegedly attacked the captain with an ax inside the cockpit. Flight tracking data showed that the Boeing jet dived more than 14,000 feet in 30 seconds.
The plane was carrying more than 170 passengers. It eventually landed safely at a regional airport in Saudi Arabia after passengers and a replacement crew member intervened to subdue al-Hammam and help stabilize the plane.
The incident prompted authorities in several countries to investigate al-Hammami’s background, including his education, travel and aviation career.
What was al-Hammami’s previous aviation career?
Before joining FlyDubai, al-Hammami worked for Oman Air. According to the report, he was previously fired by the airline due to concerns about his radical views.
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He subsequently secured a position with FlyDubai, a low-cost airline based in Dubai and sister airline Emirates.
Details of his previous employment are now part of a wider investigation into the alleged incident. However, the available information does not indicate whether his earlier recall was related to the events on the FlyDubai flight.
Why is his training history significant?
Al-Hammami’s career and training spanned several countries, with records and accounts including Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
Authorities are now investigating his movements and activities before the alleged attack. New Zealand police, for example, are investigating how he spent his time in the country while on a student visa.
Acron Aviation said it would assist with any investigation into the circumstances of the case, according to The Telegraph.
The investigation is ongoing, and more details about al-Hammami’s training, employment history and the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack could emerge as authorities investigate the case.
