A FORMER check-in agent has returned to Glasgow Prestwick Airport to complete his pilot training.
Andrew Baillie, who started his aviation career in 2015, has returned to the airport as a first officer with Jet2.
He began his career at the airport as a check-in agent, before progressing into roles supporting the aircraft handling department.
He then moved to the airport’s in-house General Aviation flight centre, where he learned to fly and began his journey as a pilot.
He said: "I'm absolutely delighted to return to Glasgow Prestwick Airport now as a first officer with Jet2.com.
"It’s been an exciting journey and I’m proud to have progressed from checking in passengers to now actually flying them on their well-deserved holidays to destinations all across Europe.
"The training, support and experience I gained from my time working at the airport has helped me tremendously throughout my flying career so far and I’m grateful for the opportunity to put the airport that helped start my aviation career into my flying logbook whilst operating a Boeing 737-800.
"I am delighted to be doing my training with Jet2.com in my hometown."
His career as a pilot then led him to a role at Loganair in 2023 where he served as a commercial pilot before joining Jet2.com earlier this year.
After completing his simulator training at Jet2.com’s training centre in Leeds, Andrew will now take to the air.
Andrew's brother, Kris Baillie, also started his aviation journey at Prestwick and is now the airport’s business development manager.
Kris said: "It’s fantastic to see Andrew come full circle and return to Prestwick for his pilot training.
"His journey from check-in to the flight deck is an example of what can be achieved with ambition, hard work, and the right opportunities."
A Jet2.com spokesperson said: "We are delighted to welcome Andrew to the Jet2.com team.
"It is fantastic to see him return to Glasgow Prestwick Airport, where he first started his aviation career, as a first officer with us."
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