Ukrainian pilot awarded Order For Courage for landing damaged plane in Istanbul

This is reported by the press service of the Head of State.

"Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has awarded Ukrainian pilot Oleksandr Akopov the Order For Courage. Akopov, who is working in the AtlasGlobal Turkish company, saved the lives of 121 passengers and 6 crew members by flawlessly landing damaged passenger plane at the Istanbul Ataturk Airport in extremely difficult weather conditions on July 27," the statement reads.

The decree, signed by the President of Ukraine, reads that Akopov was given a high state award for the courage and dedication shown in performance of his duty and high professionalism.

As reported, July 27, Ukrainian pilot made blind landing of the plane, which was badly damaged by hail, in the Istanbul Ataturk Airport.