Sheltair welcomes Zara Rutherford into the US as she attempts to break the record for being the youngest female pilot to fly around the world solo! We couldn’t be more ecstatic to provide the best in aviation services to the young woman looking to soar through the glass ceiling.
Also from an aviation family, Zara’s parents are both experienced pilots, and she hopes one day to be an astronaut. While one of her biggest dreams is to shoot for the stars, Zara hopes that her solo flight around the world will ignite inspiration for girls and young women to pursue careers in STEM and aviation careers.
Just 19 years old, this young inspirational pilot is quickly becoming a modern role model and encouraging young girls to set their sights higher while taking advantage of opportunities available to them. A sentiment that we completely stand behind!
Photo by Andre Chambers
Photo by Priscilla Yecora
Photo by Andre Chambers
Her First Arrival
As her first arrival into the US, Zara was welcomed to Sheltair JFK by a crowd of young aviation enthusiasts, Consulate General of Belgium in New York Frank Geerkens, Acting Consul General Hannah Young and Group Captain Peter Warmerdam from The British Consulate General in New York, and the news team from WCBS | CBS New York.
Leaving the Big Apple, Zara’s next stop was the Sunshine State! Upon her safe arrival at Sheltair JAX and then Sheltair FLL, she met the current record holder Shaesta Waiz, Nicolette Brent of the UK Consul General Miami, Women in Aviation, and the broadcasting team from WSVN 7 News.
Female Empowerment!
Zara is soaring strong, continuing her journey while our industry celebrates Girls in Aviation Day around the world. As an aviation family with a female President at the helm, Sheltair proudly advocates for inclusivity. We’re looking forward to the growth of our industry fueled by innovation and diversity. We wish Zara safe travels and will be rooting for her!
To learn more about Zara’s flight, visit www.flyzolo.com and if you feel inspired to jump into a career in aviation with Sheltair, find our open positions here.