TUI Captain flies 3-month-old granddaughter on her first flight

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TUI Captain Robert Yallop had a very special passenger on board his flight from London Gatwick Airport to Dalalman last week, with his 3-month-old granddaughter Maeve on board for her very first flight.

"Flying has always been a part of my life, and being able to take my granddaughter on her very first flight was a moment I’ll cherish forever. I have been able to fly with my son Harry several times but having my son and future daughter-in-law on board made it all the more meaningful. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love what I do.” said Captain Yallop.

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The reunion at 41,000 feet saw three generations of family and aviators come together, with Robert’s son Harry also working at TUI as a First Officer on the 787, and his partner, Jess working as TUI Cabin Crew. Harry and Jess met and fell in love while working at TUI.

“Whilst we all work for TUI and I have flown with my Dad and Jess on separate occasions, we’ve never actually had the opportunity to all be on a plane together. With Maeve in tow for her very first flight, it made it extra special. I’m really looking forward to telling her one day that her grandad was the captain on her first flight. And I’m very thankful his landing was smooth enough for her to remain asleep!” said Harry. “She absolutely loved being in the cockpit with her grandad, it was clear that aviation really does run in the family”.

Maeve’s mother Jess, who is currently on maternity leave, said the flight was a special memory for the family and something to look back on in years to come.

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