Two Kenyan pilots gained national recognition for successfully navigating storm “Eunice”, which is wreaking havoc across Europe, and landing their planes at key airports in the United Kingdom (UK) and the Netherlands.
The pilots, Ruth Karauri and Clive Nyachieo dominated social media discourse after defying all odds to land their plane in Europe while Storm Eunice battered the continent.
Karauri landed aircraft KQ100, a Boeing 787, at Heathrow Airport in London, while Nyachieo landed safely at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam.
A live streaming service captured Karauri’s touchdown as planes arrived amid the storm, which was seen by millions of people.
The UK meteorological office had issued a poor weather alert the day before the heroic landing, warning that the winds would create severe disruption, notably in the aviation sector.
Karauri chose to demonstrate courage and agility as other planes scheduled to land at Heathrow Airport were delayed due to Storm Eunice.
She credited her expertise to proper training at Kenya Airways in an interview. “On Friday, February 18, there were high, blowing gusts at Heathrow Airport, making the ride rather turbulent.
“However, the training I received at Kenya Airways, particularly the flight simulator training, prepared me for such a scenario,” she said in a video posted to Kenya Airways’ Facebook page.
With first officer, Karauri was in the cockpit with First Officer Ayoob Harunany during the touchdown at Heathrow on Friday.
“Ayoob and I used all our training, expertise and skills acquired at Kenya Airways. That enabled us to land expertly,” she said.
Another celebrated KQ female pilot, Irene Koki Mutungi, said: “I am so proud of you Ruth Karauri! You handled it (challenging airport conditions) as ladies do. Girls fly.” Karauri’s husband, Sportpesa CEO Ronald, also joined in the celebrations, lauding his wife for the feat.
Kenyans went to social media early this week to congratulate them on their remarkable achievement, with many claiming that the sky’s the limit for our pilots.
Monica Juma, the Energy Cabinet Secretary led the tributes by praising Ruth on Twitter.
“Congratulations, Ruth Karauri,” she said. You and the first officer are both amazing!”
“Hongera Captain Ruth Karauri on the successful landing during Storm Eunice!” wrote UK High Commissioner Jane Mariott on Twitter.