Rachel Gilmour from Largs becomes a Loganair captain at just 26. Her promotion coincides with International Womens Day.
Rachel flies for the regional airline, which is the UK’s largest. She flies from Glasgow often, charting routes to Stornoway and Benbecula. It’s an impressive feat, especially timed with International Women’s Day.
Women make up only 5% of European pilots, and the average pilot age is 43. Rachel’s promotion stands out because of these statistics. International Women’s Day is on March 8 and it celebrates women’s achievements.
The 2025 theme for International Women’s Day is “Accelerate Action,” aiming for more progress for women. This involves using effective strategies and resources to foster positive change and provide more support.
Growing up, Rachel loved to travel and wanted to be a pilot. She attended a pilot career day with her dad at Heathrow. After this experience, she began flying, training at Tayside Aviation in Dundee.
While her friends went on trips after school, Rachel pursued flying. She became a qualified pilot at 22, and then taught others at the same school.
Rachel joined Loganair at 24. She moved to Aberdeen and worked as second in command. Now, she’s back in Glasgow, based at Glasgow Airport, flying an Embraer 145.
Rachel carries passengers to Stornoway and Benbecula. She also serves other seasonal routes. She feels honored to fly for Loganair and enjoys connecting people to the mainland.
Loganair provided her with significant experience. Rachel is proud to be a captain, and hopes to inspire other young women to consider similar roles.
Rachel met her boyfriend at Loganair; he was also a pilot there. She has flown with her partner a few times, and he always approves of her landings.