Brunei's leader again takes the cockpit for ASEAN trip to Philippines
As Southeast Asian leaders descended on Cebu for the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings, one arrival stood apart from the usual diplomatic routine.
Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam personally flew his aircraft into Mactan-Benito Ebuen Airbase on Wednesday evening, arriving alongside his son, Prince Abdul Mateen.
The Brunei monarch is not only one of the world’s longest-reigning rulers but also a licensed pilot known for taking control of his own aircraft during overseas trips and regional summits.
His latest arrival in Cebu continued a long-running practice that has become closely associated with the Sultan’s public image. He had previously flown his own plane during earlier ASEAN gatherings and state visits, including a trip to the Philippines in 2017.
Perhaps the most high-profile example came in 2013, when the Sultan piloted his own Boeing 747 to Washington for talks with then-US President Barack Obama.
Obama later joked during their meeting at the White House that the Brunei leader was likely “the only head of state who flies a 747 himself,” adding that Air Force One pilots would know who to consult if they ever encountered problems.
The Sultan’s arrival in Cebu came as ASEAN leaders began gathering for discussions on regional security, economic cooperation and geopolitical tensions, with the Philippines serving as this year’s summit host.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
