The co-pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073, who allegedly attacked his captain during an attempted hijacking last week, completed part of his flight training in New Zealand, police said on Tuesday.
New Zealand police said the man lived in the country for several months between November 2018 and May 2019 while completing part of his flight training for a UK-based company.
Assistant Commissioner Michael Johnson said immigration records showed that the co-pilot arrived in New Zealand on November 30, 2018, and left the country on May 23, 2019.
“Police can confirm the co-pilot was in New Zealand to complete a portion of his flight training for a UK-based company, no longer operating in New Zealand,” Johnson said in a statement to Reuters.
Police are now reviewing relevant records and conducting inquiries into the man’s time in New Zealand.
Co-pilot accused of attacking captain
The investigation follows an incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Israel last week.
According to the UAE prosecutor general, the co-pilot attacked the captain with an emergency crash axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft. Authorities have described the incident as a “terrorist attack”.
Passengers and crew members managed to subdue the co-pilot, while a reserve flydubai pilot took control of the aircraft and landed it safely in Saudi Arabia.
The co-pilot was detained and later transferred to UAE custody.
Australia probes flydubai co-pilot’s links after attempted hijacking
Omani national identified by sources
Two sources familiar with the investigation have identified the co-pilot as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami.
Israeli officials have confirmed that the co-pilot is from Oman but have not publicly disclosed his name. UAE authorities and flydubai have also not officially identified him.
Reuters has been unable to independently contact al-Hammami, who remains in UAE custody.
Australia also investigates links
The latest information from New Zealand comes as Australian authorities investigate the co-pilot’s links to Australia.
The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, comprising federal and state police and Australia’s intelligence agency ASIO, is examining his time and connections in the country.
Australian authorities are investigating whether his activities or background in Australia are relevant to the ongoing inquiry into the flydubai incident.
The investigations in New Zealand and Australia come as authorities continue examining the co-pilot’s background and the circumstances surrounding the attack aboard flight FZ1073.
