Pilot cherishes experience of flying in new King

Career-high: Capt Sumar standing in front of his aircraft after arriving at the Bunga Raya complex at KLIA. — Bernama

SEPANG: Flying in the new King from Kuantan to the federal capital to attend the swearing-in ceremony is something Capt Sumar Lee Hashim Lee will cherish forever.

He said it was the hallmark of his 29-year career as a pilot.

Capt Sumar said the flight, which took about 35 minutes, was smooth due to fine weather.

“The control tower at the Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Kuantan and KLIA also did a great job,” said the 49-year-old, who is with the Department of Civil Aviation in Subang.

He said this when met after the ceremony to welcome the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdul­lah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Almarhum Sultan Iskandar at the Bunga Raya complex here.

The special aircraft – an Airbus A319CJ – piloted by Capt Sumar and Capt Ahmad Najhan Mohd Jamil, 55, touched down at KLIA at 9.10am.

“This is not the first time I have flown VVIPs. In fact, I have just returned from flying the Prime Minister to Senegal and Vienna.

“But today’s flight was extraordinary and made me feel excited for the opportunitally to be the pilot.

“Coincidentally, it was His Majesty’s first flight as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he said.

The royal couple arrived in the federal capital for His Majesty’s oath-taking ceremony in Istana Negara to begin his term as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Capt Sumar, who is from Selama, Perak, said he received the letter to fly the Yang di-Pertuan Agong two days ago.

Prior to taking off, he said, the aircraft was inspected by the police. — Bernama