From Check-In to Cockpit
Pilot Andrew Baillie Returns to Prestwick
Glasgow Prestwick Airport was delighted to welcome back a former check-in agent this week, to complete his Pilot training with leading leisure airline, Jet2.com.
Andrew Baillie, who has recently joined Jet2.com as a First Officer was back at the Airport this week, not on the ground but in the air, as he undertook his B737-800 training with Jet2.com. Andrew’s visit marks a significant milestone in a career that began in 2015 at Glasgow Prestwick Airport and has seen him rise through the ranks of aviation to fulfil his long-term ambition to become a pilot.
Andrew first joined the airport nearly 10 years ago as a check-in agent, where his passion for aviation was first sparked. From there, he progressed into roles supporting Glasgow Prestwick Airport’s aircraft handling department (FBO) before moving to the airport’s in-house General Aviation (GA) flight centre, where he learned to fly and began his journey as a pilot. 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 story is not just one of personal achievement, but also highlights Prestwick Airport’s role in fostering talent and providing opportunities for career development in the aviation sector. This connection is reinforced by his family ties to the Airport—Andrew’s older brother, Kris Baillie, also started his aviation journey at Prestwick and is now the Airport’s Business Development Manager – General Aviation and Military.
Kris commented on his brother’s return to the airport: “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.”
Andrew’s return to Prestwick highlights the Airport’s reputation as a springboard for aviation careers, where early experience can pave the way for success in the industry.
Andrew 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.”
Glasgow Prestwick Airport is a popular training location for airlines such as Jet2.com due to its long runway, unrestricted airspace and perfect weather record. The airport will continue to work with Jet2.com to support the airline’s next generation of pilots on the Boeing and Airbus fleets.
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. Andrew is a great example of how you can progress from the ground to the air and the many opportunities a career in aviation offers. We look forward to continuing to work with the airport to help train our pilots and hearing about more stories like Andrew’s.”
