Flying the B747 with Saudi Arabian Airlines
Morning Reflection
Sometimes there are moments in life that feel like the opening of a new door along the path of a dream.
When I was told that I was among the group that would be sent to Jeddah for training on the Boeing B747 with Saudi Arabian Airlines, I realized that this was not just another training course. It was a significant step forward in my professional journey.
The challenge was not merely to get there…
but to prove that I deserved the trust placed in me,
and that I was ready to carry the responsibility of sitting in the cockpit of this magnificent aircraft.
Evening Reflection
In the quiet of the evening, when I reflect on that period of my life, I realize that my journey to Jeddah was more than a geographical move—it was a transition into a new level of responsibility and ambition. We were a group of eight pilots sent to train and work with Saudi Arabian Airlines on the legendary Boeing B747.
Working with Saudi Arabian Airlines opened the doors to an extraordinary world. Through this opportunity, I was able to fly across continents and witness some of the greatest cities in the world. From Washington and New York to the heart of Europe—flying above historic capitals such as Paris, London, Frankfurt, and Rome—every journey felt like a new adventure, and every airport became another chapter in my life’s story.
My travels did not stop in the West. They extended far into the East as well. I flew across the skies of Asia, discovering the beauty of the Far East and the breathtaking landscapes of Southeast Asia. These journeys were like an open book, introducing me to diverse cultures and vibrant cities, while the sky remained the one element connecting them all.
Yet despite all the cities I visited, Jeddah held a special place in my heart. From the very moment we arrived, the Saudi people welcomed us with remarkable warmth and generosity. The city was full of life, diversity, and hospitality. In many ways, it felt like a second home far from my own country.
What made my time in Jeddah truly unforgettable were the people I met there. Colleagues, instructors, and friends became like family. From the first day until the moment we left, they treated us with kindness and respect. The Saudi Arabian Airlines team offered exceptional support and ensured that we had everything necessary to succeed in our roles. I was also deeply impressed by the structure and professionalism of their flight operations management, which reflected their strong commitment to excellence in aviation.
During my time with them, I realized that I was not only flying through the skies—I was also elevating my dreams. Representing Saudi Arabian Airlines was a great source of pride for me, not only because I was flying the B747, but because I was part of a respected airline with a distinguished legacy in aviation.
But as happens in many life stories, an unexpected turn came that changed everything. When Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, the political landscape in the region shifted dramatically, and we were asked to leave the Kingdom and return home. It was a difficult moment for all of us, just as it was for our Saudi colleagues. They were deeply saddened by our departure, and their heartfelt farewell reflected the genuine respect and friendship that had developed between us.
That departure marked the end of an extraordinary chapter in my life—one filled with valuable experiences and friendships that will last a lifetime. The days I spent in Jeddah, working alongside such remarkable people, remain among the most cherished memories of my professional career.
Yet despite the sudden ending, the flame of ambition within me never faded. Every experience, every challenge, and every memory became fuel that continued to drive me forward—to keep flying in the sky of ambition and to write new chapters in my journey.
The dream that once seemed distant and almost unreachable
had now become a reality I was living with passion and determination.
And the journey… was still heading toward higher horizons.