Daily Archives: 2026 - Page 56 of 111

Captain Jolanda Witvliet in the cockpit during her farewell flight from Amsterdam to Chicago, the final chapter of a career spanning more than three decades at United Airlines. For most pilots, a final flight marks the end of a career. For United Airlines Captain Jolanda Witvliet, it also marked a return to where her aviation journey began. The Dutch-born captain chose Amsterdam Schiphol Airport as the departure point for her final flight before retirement, bringing a remarkable 46-year aviation career full circle. Flying a Boeing 787 from Amsterdam to Chicago O’Hare, Witvliet bid farewell to the profession that had shaped her life, accompanied by colleagues, friends and family on board. What made the occasion particularly meaningful was the fact that her dream of becoming a pilot first took root in the Netherlands decades earlier. Captain Jolanda Witvliet poses beside a United Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner ahead of her final flight, bringing a 46-year aviation career to a close. Growing up in Utrecht, Witvliet had not initially considered a career in aviation. Everything changed after she won an essay-writing competition as a teenager. The prize was an introductory flight from Hilversum Airport, an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for flying. At a time when aviation remained a male-dominated profession, she was told that “girls could not be pilots.” Rather than discouraging her, the remark strengthened her determination. After pursuing flying opportunities across Europe, Witvliet moved to the United States in 1980 to begin formal flight training in North Carolina. She earned her pilot and instructor qualifications before building experience as a flight instructor, charter pilot, cargo pilot and aerial survey pilot. Her airline career started with regional operators flying the Beechcraft 99 and BAC One-Eleven before she joined United Airlines in 1990. Over the next 36 years, Witvliet flew some of Boeing's most iconic aircraft, including the 737, 757, 767, 777 and, ultimately, the 787 Dreamliner. In addition to her duties as a line pilot, she served as a simulator instructor, line check pilot and manager of instructor training, helping shape future generations of United pilots. Her flying career took her to every continent except Antarctica. Along the way, she witnessed countless memorable moments from the cockpit, from spectacular displays of the Northern Lights to sunrise crossings over the Atlantic Ocean. Despite a career spent travelling the globe, working for United also allowed her to maintain close ties with her homeland, regularly operating flights to the Netherlands and visiting family. Beyond the flight deck, Witvliet became a passionate advocate for aspiring aviators. She authored books about aviation careers and scholarships and volunteered extensively in pilot family assistance programmes, supporting airline employees and their families during both joyful and difficult moments. Her final flight departed Amsterdam and crossed the Atlantic to Chicago O’Hare, where the aircraft received a traditional water-cannon salute on arrival. The ceremony marked the end of a career spanning nearly half a century and a journey that began with a young Dutch girl refusing to accept that aviation was not a place for women. Reflecting on her career, Witvliet said the people she met along the way made the greatest impact. “What made United Airlines special? The folks who work here,” she said. “I met some amazing people along my long career and forged lifelong friendships.” For Captain Jolanda Witvliet, the final landing in Chicago was not simply the end of a career. It was the completion of a journey that started decades earlier in the Netherlands, proving that determination can carry a dream much farther than anyone imagines.

Yearly Archives: 2026

United Airlines captain returns to Dutch roots for emotional final flight after 46-year aviation career

LATAM Boeing 787 stranded on Easter Island after airstairs truck tears off aircraft door

United Airlines flight diverts to Madison, Wisconsin over unruly passenger

Thunderstorms disrupt operations at Brussels Airport, causing delays of up to two hours

Starlux Airlines plans Zurich and Barcelona flights as European expansion continues

Belgian government to increase aviation tax again, raising concerns among airlines

“Flygplansläge”: Swedish aviation launches campaign against disruptive passenger behaviour

Brussels Airport to end liquids and laptop hassle with next-generation security scanners (as from 2028)

Brussels Airlines switches from Foodmaker to Bon for fresh sandwiches on European flights

ICAO: International air travel remains safe amid ebola outbreak

SAS A330 diverts to Bangor after reported cabin smoke

Cathay Group orders two additional Airbus A350F freighters

Royal Thai Navy orders two Airbus C295 aircraft for transport and maritime surveillance missions

Air China Cargo expands Airbus A350F order to 10 freighters

Qatar Airways unveils Boeing 777 in FIFA World Cup 2026™ special livery

Air France flight diverts to Amsterdam after smoke reported in cabin

Ten injured after severe turbulence hits Cathay Pacific Airbus A350 en route to Hong Kong

Brussels Airlines flights to Madeira disrupted by strong winds, passengers stranded for two days

Royal Air Maroc suspends Brussels–Marrakech and other European and African routes amid fuel price surge

SAS flight diverts to Copenhagen after cockpit window crack

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Ryanair reports 15% drop in first-half profit despite passenger growth

Nine killed as Bahamas-bound Learjet crashes in Florida

Jersey Airport suffers second night of disruption after drone sightings

Naples Airport closes for entire month of November for major runway works

Lufthansa flight attendant dies in suspected electrocution accident at Indian hotel

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Lufthansa flight attendant dies in suspected electrocution accident at Indian hotel

Nine killed as Bahamas-bound Learjet crashes in Florida

Naples Airport closes for entire month of November for major runway works

Jersey Airport suffers second night of disruption after drone sightings

Eurowings adds five European routes from Berlin, Hanover and Stuttgart for summer 2027