Qantas First Women Chief Pilot Retires After 36-Years, Last Flight from New York

SYDNEY— Captain Georgina Sutton has retired after a distinguished 36-year career as a pilot with Qantas (QF), marking the end of an era in Australian aviation. Her final service operated from New York (JFK) via Auckland (AKL) to Sydney (SYD), where she was celebrated with water cannon salutes and onboard tributes.

Sutton, who made history as the first woman appointed Chief Pilot at Jetstar (JQ), leaves behind a career that spanned multiple aircraft types and historic assignments, including flying Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to Australia.

Qantas First Women Chief Pilot | Photo: Qantas

Qantas Women Pilot Retires

Georgina Sutton’s journey began at just 15, when she first experienced flight in a vintage ES49 glider. That spark led to her first commercial role conducting scenic flights over Wilpena Pound in the Flinders Ranges, before flying charter routes across Broome (BME), Darwin (DRW), Port Augusta (PUG), Leigh Creek (LGH), and Adelaide (ADL).

In 1989, Sutton realized a lifelong dream by joining Qantas (QF). She was among the pilots trained on the inaugural Boeing 747-400 (B744) course and crewed one of the first Qantas 747-400 services to London (LHR).

Over the years, she expanded her expertise across multiple aircraft, including the Boeing 767 and later the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Her leadership path took her to Jetstar (JQ), where she became Chief Pilot for the Boeing 787 fleet—the first woman in Australia to hold such a senior pilot appointment. She eventually returned to Qantas to continue flying Dreamliners, a role she held until her retirement.

Qantas First Women Chief Pilot | Photo: Qantas

Memorable Flights and Milestones

Across her career, Captain Sutton’s logbook reflects not just hours in the air but aviation history in motion. Some of her most notable flights include:

• Flying Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during a royal visit to Australia.
• Operating a charter flight over Antarctica with her father onboard.
• Leading repatriation flights during global crises, bringing Australians home safely.
• Participating in inaugural and milestone flights for Qantas, including the rollout of new aircraft types.

Her final roster took her across the Pacific, ending with a celebratory journey from New York (JFK) to Sydney (SYD) via Auckland (AKL). Colleagues honored her retirement with salutes, balloons, cakes, and tributes marking her contribution to the airline.

Qantas First Women Chief Pilot Last Flight | Photo: Qantas

Life Beyond the Flight Deck

Following her retirement, Sutton plans to spend more time on the River Murray at Sunnyside and reconnect with the landscapes that shaped her early flying days in the Flinders Ranges. Her transition into life after aviation reflects the same love for Australia’s skies and outback that first inspired her to fly.

Captain Georgina Sutton’s career stands as a milestone for women in aviation and a chapter of Qantas (QF) history that underscores skill, leadership, and dedication.

From pioneering as a female chief pilot to commanding some of the world’s most iconic aircraft, her journey remains an inspiration for future aviators.

ALSO READ: Indian Airlines IC 814 Kandahar Hijack Captain Retires After 40 Years

Photo: Qatar Airways

Similar Historic Event

Qatar Airways has bid farewell to one of its most respected aviators, Captain Jamil Areeki, who retired this week after three decades with the airline.

Captain Jamil was among the founding pilots when Qatar Airways launched in 1993, making his retirement especially meaningful. To mark the occasion, colleagues and friends surprised him on his final flight as pilot-in-command of a Boeing 777.

Amin Suleiman Qush, Senior Manager of Flight Standards and a longtime friend, arranged the roster so he could share the cockpit with Captain Jamil on his farewell flight. Both senior and junior pilots gathered to greet him, and a manager presented him with a certificate honoring his service to the Doha-based carrier.

Speaking after the flight, Captain Jamil reflected on his journey:
“It’s the end of my career as a pilot. I contributed a little bit to building the airline. I was part of the founding pilot team. I have been supported by management in the fleet training. I have seen the world traveling using the excellent travel benefits. What I can say more? Thanks, everyone.”

Qatar Airways also paid tribute, writing:
“As Captain Jameel prepares for his final journey before retirement, he is met with an unexpected and heartfelt surprise from his colleagues, celebrating not only his remarkable career but also the inspiring legacy he leaves behind. This moment is a tribute to his dedication and the countless lives he has touched throughout his flying years.”

The flight departed from Doha, and upon arrival, the cabin crew joined the celebrations. Captain Jamil cut a cake surrounded by his colleagues, closing his career on a warm and emotional note.

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