Air we go..!
Final flight after 44 years’service
A Bothwell air hostess, who has been named the UK’S longest serving cabin crew member, has flown her final flight after 44 years of service.
Last week, Charmaine Mccall-hagan took flight for the last time on a Loganair service Shetland bound for Edinburgh, closing a long career in aviation, of which all but six years were spent in Scotland.
She has been with Loganair since 2011, starting a cabin crew career at the age of 21 in 1973 for British Airways Highland Division.
It was during this time that Charmaine met her husband, retired pilot Captain Bill Hagan.
Bill was well known for saving the lives of 400 passengers after a hijacking attempt on a British Airways 747 bound for Nairobi, Kenya, in 2000.
The 65 year-old has looked after many wellknown passengers during her extensive career including George Best, Prince Andrew and Princess Anne.
Loganair marked Charmaine’s final departure by holding an informal ceremony in Sumburgh Airport’s departure lounge and announcing to passengers it would be the steward’s final flight.
Passengers each presented a yellow rose while the airline’s Shetland-based staff, airport workers and customers waved the aircraft off.
Speaking about her time flying, Charmaine said: “It’s a strange feeling to know I’m bringing my career to a close, but I’m really looking forward to my retirement.
“Apart from relaxing, spending time with my family is high on the agenda.
“My son will be temporarily living in South Africa on university placement so we’re planning a visit.
“We also own a boat in Largs so I could be swapping the skies for the ocean.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to visit all sorts of beautiful places across the world through my job but Boston, USA, and Cape Town, South Africa, really stand out for me.
“I’ll obviously miss the team I work with in Loganair and I’d really like to be involved in the airline as it becomes an independent carrier – especially seeing the new uniforms.”
Jonathan Hinkles, Loganair’s managing director, said: “Congratulations to Charmaine on her welldeserved retirement.
“It’s extremely fitting for her to finish a long and successful career with Loganair, operating routes across the Highlands and Islands as she began her flying life 44 years ago.
“She’ll be missed by the team and her service to not only Loganair, but UK aviation as a whole has been invaluable over nearly half a century.
“I’d like to offer my very best wishes to Charmaine for a long, happy and healthy retirement and we all look forward to seeing her aboard as she continues to enjoy the Highlands.”
On Thursday Orkney MSP Liam Mcarthur lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament to recognise Mrs Mccallhagan’s retirement, acknowledging exemplary dedication and professionalism that is displayed towards her work.