Eswatini Air has paid tribute to veteran aviator Captain Robert Dlamini following his retirement after an exceptional 55-year aviation career during which he accumulated more than 20,500 flying hours—equivalent to nearly three and a half years spent continuously in the air. His final flight was marked with the traditional water cannon salute, recognizing his outstanding contribution to aviation. Dlamini reflected on a career defined by discipline, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to safety, noting the rigorous six-monthly proficiency checks required to maintain his pilot qualifications throughout his career. After beginning as a cadet with the former Royal Swazi Airways, he earned his Commercial Pilot Licence in Texas, USA, in 1991, qualified on the Fokker 28 in 1993, and later spent more than two decades with South African Airways, serving as captain on the Jetstream 41, Embraer ERJ-135, and ERJ-145 fleets. In 2022, he returned to ESWATINI to join the newly established Eswatini Air as Chief Pilot before being appointed Director of Operations, where he played a pivotal role in mentoring young pilots and helping develop the country's aviation sector. Paying tribute, aviation…
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