Bury St Edmunds pilot in charge of grandchild's first flight

TUI pilot, Robert Yallop, from Bury St Edmunds, welcomed Maeve aboard the flight last week as she went abroad with her parents to Dalaman in Turkey. 

Mr Yallop with his granddaughter Maeve, who is three months. (Image: Tui)

Mr Yallop said: "Flying has always being 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 more meaningful. It's moments like these that remind me why I love what I do." 

Tui pilot with 3 month old granddaughter (Image: Tui)

The reunion at 41,000 feet saw three generations of family and aviators come together.

Robert's son Harry is a first officer at TUI and his daughter-in-law Jess works as cabin crew.

Harry and Jess, who live near Horsham, met while working at the airline.

Harry Yallop pictured with his dad and pilot Robert Yallop, daughter Maeve and partner Jess (Image: Tui)

Harry, captain Yallop's son, said, "We've never had the opportunity to be all 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 grandad was the captain on her first flight. And I'm very thankful his landing was smooth enough for her to remain asleep. 

"She absolutely loved being in the cockpit with her grandad, it was clear that aviation really does run in the family." 

Jess, Maeve's mother, 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.