The flight 's two Australian pilots , Captain Malcolm Waters and First Officer David Hayhoe , who safely landed the aircraft despite the extraordinary challenge , have been compared to pilots Chesley Sullenberger and Jeffrey Skiles of US Airways Flight 1549 . In March 2014 , the two Flight 780 pilots were awarded the Polaris Award by the International Federation of Air Line Pilots ' Associations , for their heroism and airmanship
US Airways Flight 1549
US Airways Flight 1549
Cathay Pacific Flight 780