World's Youngest Female Pilot

Kate McWilliams became a captain for a British airline at the young age of 26.

McWilliams became co-pilot in 2011 and captain in 2016. Photo: PA

McWilliams began learning to fly at age 13, took pilot training in Southampton at age 19, and became a co-pilot for EasyJet in May 2011, according to The Guardian.

Recently, she was promoted to captain after completing the airline's command training course. An EasyJet spokesperson stated that McWilliams is the youngest female captain to fly a commercial aircraft in the world.

"Personally, I don't think age is an issue. I've gone through the training and passed every command training course like any other captain. So, I've proven my competence regardless of age. In fact, since becoming a captain, almost every day someone asks me how old I am," McWilliams said.

She lives in Reigate, Surrey, near London, and works primarily at Gatwick Airport. She has flown Airbus A319s and A320s to over 100 destinations. The 26-year-old never imagined becoming a passenger pilot, but now she is very proud of her work.

"I love flying for EasyJet, and I'm proud to have achieved my goal of becoming a captain," McWilliams shared.

The percentage of women who fly commercial aircraft worldwide is only 5%. Last year, EasyJet announced its goal of increasing the percentage of female pilots to 12% within two years.

Julie Westhorp, chair of the British Women Pilots Association (BWPA), hopes McWilliams will inspire even more women to consider becoming pilots.

"Kate's success has shown other young women that becoming a commercial airline pilot is possible. We hope Kate continues to be successful in her career and are delighted to see her as a great role model for women."

Last week, McWilliams flew from Gatwick, London to the Republic of Malta, a Southern European island nation in the Mediterranean, with Luke Elsworth, 19, who earlier this year became Britain's youngest pilot.

According to VNE