Rafale Pilot Martinez Mesmerised By Langkawi's Charm And Beauty

By Mohd Khairi Idham Amran LANGKAWI (Kedah, Malaysia), March 23 (Bernama) -- Captain Jean-Guillaume Martinez, 40, is mesmerised by the charm and beauty of Malaysia's Langkawi island and the warmth of the Malaysians. Martinez, who is piloting the multi-role jet aircraft, Rafale, at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2017 (LIMA 2017), said he had a wonderful time here. "This is my first time in Langkawi. It has been fantastic. The island is beautiful and I enjoy talking to everyone that I've met," he told reporters here Wednesday. Martinez, who started his career in the French Air Force in 1997, has chalked up over 3,300 hours of flight time, including 1,350 hours with Rafale. He will be performing various solo displays with the Rafale jet aircraft during the LIMA 2017 air show. He advised those who dream of becoming a jet fighter pilot to pursue it and to use it as a motivation to excel in their studies as well as to take care of their health. "When I was a child, it was my dream to become a fighter pilot and to be able to use the best technology available. "So, I tried to do my best in school to become a "good boy" and to take care of my health so that I can achieve my dream," said Martinez. On the aircraft's performance, Martinez, who goes by the call sign "Marty", said the multi-role aircraft enabled air-to-air and air-to-surface missions. "My job is to show everybody here the power and manoeuvrability of the aircraft. It is a fantastic jet," he said. He said the aircraft's performance had been proven during wartime, adding that he himself had been in over 75 missions, mostly to hunt terrorists in Africa. Martinez said the aircraft was suited for various climates, including Malaysia, due to its solid build and powerful engines. The plane, produced by three major international aerospace leaders, Dassault Aviation SA, Safran SA and Thales Group, is a twin-engine multi-role fighter aircraft. It is able to carry out a wide range of missions. They include air policing and defensive counter-air, air-to-ground precision attack, air-to-sea strike, nuclear deterrence and air reconnaissance. --BERNAMA