NAIROBI- Celebrated Kenya Airways pilot Joseph Kinuthia has retired. Captain Kinuthia retired on Tuesday, bringing to an end his 42 years of service at the national carrier, registering 24,000 hours of flight as a pilot.

Captain Kinuthia is received by KQ crew as he made his last flight as a commercial pilot. PHOTO| COURTESY

The 65-year-old was the lead pilot during the launch of the historic KQ inaugural flight from Nairobi to New York on October the 28th, 2018.

His retirement coincided with his last flight from New York to Nairobi on Tuesday 19th February 2019 and an emotional Captain Kinuthia said the retirement opens a whole new chapter in his life.

"I had to shed a tear because this means that it is a complete change from what I have been used to, to new ground which I am not clear of yet," said Kinuthia.

Captain Joseph Kinuthia had been with KQ since 1978. PHOTO| COURTESY

His colleagues at Kenya Airways were also full of praise of him, saying his experience helped nurture  other aspiring and other practising pilots.

"I have done around five flights with him and I must say he is one of the best trainers we have in the airline," said Patrick Kipsambu, First Officer with Kenya Airways.

Watch the full story on the video attached.