Jacqueline Gray
Glasgow,East Dunbartonshire
Summary
Experienced Pilot Base Manager with circa two years' success leading flight crew operations in a complex, high-performance environment.
Ability to manage safety, standards, performance, and pilot welfare while delivering operational KPIs.
Played a key leadership role in the successful introduction of the Airbus Fleet into the Edinburgh base, building trust, operational stability, and effective working relationships with pilots, fellow Jet2 Management and key airport stakeholders.
A respected line manager, running a disciplined operation while maintaining high standards, an open, supportive, and trusted culture.
A collaborative team player who contributes positively across the wider operation.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Pilot Base Manager, EDI & Line Captain B737-800
Jet2
Edinburgh
04.2024 - Current
- Line manager for over 160 pilots based in Edinburgh, responsible for safety, standards, performance, and welfare across the base.
- Led the introduction of Airbus operations into Edinburgh, the first base in the company to do so, managing uncharted operational, cultural, and procedural challenges.
- Successfully achieved all KPI objectives, including on-time performance targets working collaboratively across departments.
- Worked closely with the Base TRE to introduce new procedures and embed consistent operational standards.
- Mentored and developed pilots, actively encouraging progression to command and supporting career development.
- Rebuilt and strengthened relationships within the base that were previously vulnerable, establishing a culture of trust, openness, and mutual respect.
- Known for running a disciplined, high-standards operation while maintaining approachability and psychological safety for pilots.
- Liaised regularly with airport authorities and internal stakeholders to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
- Oversaw operational issues as they arose, resolving problems efficiently to minimise disruption.
- Implemented change effectively, stabilising the base and building a cohesive, motivated pilot team.
- Maintained safety and operational standards at the highest level at all times.
- Implemented fuel conservation strategies resulting in cost-effective operations.
Captain B737-800
Jet2
Glasgow, Glasgow City
11.2016 - 04.2024
- As a Captain it is my duty to make final decisions regarding safe operation of the aircraft by utilising all resources including my Team, aircraft, and knowledge whilst operating inside company policies and procedures.
- As an ambassador for Jet2, I continually strive to offer guidance as a mentor to First Officers whilst ensuring an open environment to all who participate operationally, providing a great passenger experience.
Pilots Liaison and Operations Group Representative
Jet2
Glasgow
06.2016 - Current
- A nominated pilot, representing Glasgow and Scotland specifically, but working tirelessly on behalf of all the crew to create positive changes to the pilots working environment and lifestyle at Jet2 by listening to fellow crew and working closely with senior management on various projects.
- The aim is to resolve any undesirable issues whilst creating favourable opportunities, policies and benefits' for the pilots in addition to realising the commercial needs of the company.
- This role involves the utmost confidentiality and to think outside the box to overcome challenges. Very much a Team Player role necessitating good communication, thorough involvement and a good working knowledge of company policies and procedures, with drive to see the challenge through.
- I am also part of the Trainers Lifestyle and Review Group (TLRG) which conducts a similar process as above.
Human Factors, Fatigue and Mental Health Trainer
Jet2
UK
03.2013 - Current
- Development and delivery of Human Factors Training, teaching pilots and cabin crew that humans are fallible and errors are inevitable, highlighting the dangers of non-technical factors which coincide to materialise undesirable outcomes and focussing on how to mitigate the threats. I conduct the following courses:
- One to One pilot training in the form of Flight Crew Training Directives (FCTD) where individuals' need concentrated support and guidance
- Command preparation courses
- Initial course for new joiners
- Yearly recurrent courses.
- Ask Back Cabin crew courses.
- Fatigue Training - Imparting knowledge around types of fatigue, educating colleagues' on limitations of the human body and their influences on flight safety, teaching company protocols and systems in place. Liaising with the Fatigue department.
- Mental Health Training - A sometimes sensitive subject, providing knowledge and understanding of mental wellbeing and how to identify and address issues impacting the safe performance of aviation personnel. Knowledge of company assistance is vital in order to direct individuals in the right path. A more pastoral role with confidentiality and compassion required at times if called upon to help individuals suffering with their welfare, providing appropriate duty of care.
First Officer B737
Jet2
Glasgow
11.2013 - 11.2016
ATI Instructor / PGI
Jet2
UK
04.2012 - 09.2019
- Responsible for the delivery and assistance in development of ground and theoretical training for B737-800, initial and recurrent.
First Officer B757
Jet2
Glasgow
03.2011 - 11.2013
Freelance CRM Instructor
Self
UK
01.2007 - 01.2012
- Developed and delivered CRM Courses to multiple business jet providers within the UK.
Training Captain C560XL, C510 & CRM Manager
LEA
London
08.2006 - 02.2011
- Training Captain on C560XL with worldwide AOC and a VVIP operation.
- Challenging destinations and passengers.
- Developed and managed the CRM department.
- Worked within the Quality Assurance Department as an auditor to ensure high standards were maintained.
Flight instructor
Stapleford Flight Centre
Essex
03.2004 - 08.2006
- Taught individuals PPL and CPL on C152, PA28's & DA42's
- Carried out duties as the pilot for Capital Radio, London for their traffic watch called "Flying Eye in the Sky" and other single pilot crew charter flights within their A-B AOC.
Cabin Crew
Ryanair
Glasgow
05.1998 - 08.2001
- Senior Cabin Crew member ensuring safety in the cabin, following company regulations, supervising junior cabin crew and promoting good customer service for passengers.
Education
HND Marketing & Public Relations - Business
Central College of Commerce
Glasgow, Glasgow City 09.1995 - 01.1998
Skills
- Safety and compliance oversight
- Operational performance and KPI delivery
- Base Fleet start-up and change implementation
- Crew mentoring and development
- Stakeholder and airport authority liaison
- Conflict resolution and people management
- Standards, procedures, and governance
- Pilot welfare and engagement
- Company policies and procedures & implementation
- Training
- Relationship building and networking
- Strong communicator managing people
- Customer service
- Human Factors and Stress management
Flying Hours & Ratings
Total Hours to date (1st Feb 2026) : 7310
Hours as Captain B737-800 : 1700
Hours as First Officer B737-800 : 1400
Hours First Officer B757-200: 1210
Hours Cessna Citation 560XL/ C510: 1700
Other : 1300
Boeing 737-800 Type Rating -November 2013 - Amsterdam
Boeing 757-200 Type ratin g - August 2011 - Manchester
Citation Mustang C510 Type Rating - Dec 2007- Flight Safety International, Wichita
Citation Excel C560XLType Rating - June 2006- Flight Safety International, San Antonio, Texas
FIC - March 2004 - Stapleford Flight Centre, Essex
MCC - November 2003 - Dublin
ME/IR - October 2003 - Stapleford Flight Centre, Essex
JAA CPL / FAA PPL - July 2003 - Delta Connection Academy, Florida
ATPL Theory - Glasgow Nautical College 2001 - 2002
JAA PPL - November 1999 - Ormond Beach, Florida
Timeline
Pilot Base Manager, EDI & Line Captain B737-800
Jet2
04.2024 - Current
Captain B737-800
Jet2
11.2016 - 04.2024
Pilots Liaison and Operations Group Representative
Jet2
06.2016 - Current
First Officer B737
Jet2
11.2013 - 11.2016
Human Factors, Fatigue and Mental Health Trainer
Jet2
03.2013 - Current
ATI Instructor / PGI
Jet2
04.2012 - 09.2019
First Officer B757
Jet2
03.2011 - 11.2013
Freelance CRM Instructor
Self
01.2007 - 01.2012
Training Captain C560XL, C510 & CRM Manager
LEA
08.2006 - 02.2011
Flight instructor
Stapleford Flight Centre
03.2004 - 08.2006
Cabin Crew
Ryanair
05.1998 - 08.2001
HND Marketing & Public Relations - Business
Central College of Commerce
09.1995 - 01.1998