This archive report was first published on 22 June 2020.
Kenya Airways Pilot's Emotional Retirement Flight with Son ¶
On Father's Day, June 21, 2020, Kenya Airways (KQ) honored one of its pilots, Peter Maranga, by changing the call sign of his last flight to 'Maranga 2319'.
Maranga, who has been flying with KQ since 1989, was retiring after 31 years of service. His son, Emmanuel, is a First Officer on the B787 fleet and had the privilege of flying with his father on his last flight.
According to Maranga, his love for aeroplanes began when he was just four years old, and he was fascinated by a small plane owned by a farmer in his village. His father nicknamed him 'Peter Mweria' after the farmer, which validated his dream of becoming a pilot.
Maranga's retirement flight was a special moment for him and his family. His daughter, Dawn, described him as an indomitable man who never gives up on anything he embarks on doing.
Emmanuel, who flew the B787 fleet, said he was grateful for the chance to fly with his father on his last flight. 'I am very happy and grateful for this chance...to be able to fly with him today on his last flight... I can't wait,' he said.
Maranga's last flight was a cargo flight to Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He said he felt like he was passing on the baton to his son, and he wanted Emmanuel to exceed him in every way.
As Maranga prepares to retire, he leaves behind a legacy of dedication and service to KQ. His family and colleagues will miss him, but they are also proud of his achievements.
