Loganair chief pilot celebrates International Women’s Day with a message to the next generation: “You belong in the flight deck”

Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, is marking International Women’s Day 2026 by celebrating one of its most inspiring leaders: chief pilot Amelia Findlater.

While 15% of Loganair’s pilots are women, they account for less than five per cent of commercial airline pilots worldwide.

Against this backdrop, Amelia’s journey from manufacturing engineer to the head of Loganair’s technical flight operations highlights the industry’s untapped potential and serves as a rallying call for change.

Loganair chief pilot Amelia Findlater said:

To me, this year’s theme of Give to Gain is an opportunity to show other women that there is a path into flying as a career, and that they can progress from First Officer through to Commander, Trainer, to Chief Pilot just like I have.

There isn’t necessarily a barrier to women flying, but we need the belief that we can do it and see ourselves doing it. It’s about empowering others with the information and being visible to other women to show that they can succeed. When people feel supported, represented and valued, they perform at their best, and that benefits everyone.

Armed with a degree in manufacturing engineering and management from the University of Strathclyde, she spent several years in production and operations management before aviation came calling. A chance encounter with an old friend who had landed a role at British Airways provided the spark she needed.

I had always loved flying. I was an air cadet when I was younger and had started working towards my private pilot’s licence. But I didn’t see the path clearly to commercial aviation,” she said.

An old friend had secured a job at BA, and it gave me the inspiration I needed. I quit my job and started an integrated course at Oxford Aviation. I never looked back.

Loganair was Amelia’s first flying job out of flight school. She quickly fell in love with the airline’s distinctive style of operations – short-haul flights, remote and scenic destinations, and the incomparable experience of hand-flying in all weather conditions. But it was Loganair’s supportive culture that made the deepest impression.

Amelia said:

From the outset, it was clear Loganair always prioritised who was best for the job. There were female commanders, trainers and examiners, giving visibility into a path of progression within the company. Without trying, they made it clear that they prioritise based on skill, potential and capability.

Rising through the ranks as a trainer on both the Saab 340 and ATR 42/72 series, Amelia, a mother of two children under five, was appointed chief pilot, placing her at the heart of Loganair’s flight operations and safety culture.

She also joined a leadership team with a strong representation of women. Among Loganair’s most senior women are Natalie Bush, Chief Operating Officer; Rebecca Borresen, Director of Safety and Sustainability; Samantha Clark, who this IWD has celebrated a year as Director of Operations; Lyn McDonald, Director of Marketing, Communications and Product; and Beth Mackay, Director of Strategic Projects.

Together, they play a significant role in Loganair’s success. The airline was named the most punctual major airline for UK arrivals and departures in 2025 (January-September) by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), with 81% of its flights arriving and departing on time – significantly above the industry average of 72%. CAA’s analysis covers the 20 airlines carrying the most passengers at UK airports. 

Last month, Loganair was also ranked first by Which? for on-time performance in the short-haul airlines category.

For Amelia, the IWD theme of “Give to Gain” is not an abstract concept – it is a guiding principle. She strongly believes that the aviation industry’s future depends on its willingness to invest in its people’s confidence, development, and sense of belonging.

When pilots feel supported and have access to mentoring, they build confidence, competence, and sound judgement - all of which enhance safety and teamwork, she said.

Development isn’t just about technical skills; it’s also about the soft skills. I’ve seen this firsthand at Loganair, where a strong culture of support and knowledge-sharing contributes to both high standards and a positive working environment.

I feel a strong responsibility to be visible and approachable, and to encourage diversity and inclusion. Representation matters, and by supporting and mentoring others, we can help create an environment where everyone feels they belong and can see a future in aviation. I want to ensure that talent and potential are recognised, regardless of background.