Former Air Jamaica pilot Seymour Knight (second right) and former co-workers and friends (from left) Sadiq Marsh, Sylvester Earle and Claude Graham spend quality time before Knight departs for Qatar to take up his new post with Qatar Airways. - Photos by Janet Silvera

WESTERN BUREAU:After 12 years of service to Jamaica's national airline, Air Jamaica, Seymour Knight will captain an Airbus A320 fleet for the Middle East's Qatar Airways next month.

Qatar Airways is that country's national airline. Located in the Persian Gulf, Qatar borders Saudi Arabia and is about one-hour flying time from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

The affable pilot who left Jamaica last Wednesday was given a royal send-off last Saturday night by his wife April Parchment-Knight, colleagues and friends at his Torado Heights home in Coral Gardens, Montego Bay.

Knight joins a growing number of former Air Jamaica pilots who have found similar employment opportunities with airlines in the Middle East.

The fun and sometimes tear-filled evening was concluded with an open 'mic' session where kind and encouraging words were expressed especially by Knight's son, Richard, and daughter, Kristina.

As captain to the Airbus A320 fleet, Knight will be exposed to destinations around the Persian Gulf, India, north Africa and southern Europe.

Janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com

left: Dr Patrice Monthrope tries to get the attention of his wife, attorney, Damia Dawes.

The charming Cecile Levee gives some of her precious time to Bruce Spencer.

Tracey Shirley (left) and Gail Moe in a happy mood.