I first came in contact with her in 1990 when she was 21 years old. ST-AKW operated for the Sudan Air Force flying relief supplies into Juba (the capital of Southern Sudan and the province of Central Equatoria).
It arrived into Royal Jordanian Engineering and Maintenance Base for Heavy Maintenance (D Check) a few months before the first Gulf War. This B707-300C was worked hard transporting humanitarian supplies and it was in need of serious maintenance work. Work started on the check after the beginning of the war and lasted for months, after which she became a frequent visitor to Amman for routine maintenance work (C Checks) with the other B707-300C of Sudan Airways.
It was only after eight (8) years and during my work with Air Arabia at Sharjah Airport that I had glimpses of her and her sister ST-AFB as they came to the cargo terminal. It felt like meeting old friends.
An aircraft crash is a very tragic and sad event. The loss affects not only the families of those directly involved but also those who are associated in one way or another with the crew and the aircraft.
Our prayers go to the crew and their families and a farewell to ST-AKW (2/69-10/09) you have served well and long.
NB Airline Industry review has compiled A Photographic Farewell of the A/C
Poignant and beautifully written.
ReplyDeleteMay they rest in peace and their families find the strength to get through this difficult time.
I agree. Beautifully written Oussama.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to the families. Beautiful post Oussama. Always enjoy reading your posts. *hugs*
ReplyDeleteThis article should be entitled, when a real professional speaks out.
ReplyDeleteAstonishingly; attractively, and professionally stated.
We can no longer afford missing any of your articles Oussama.