Emma Henderson
Airline pilot to charity founder
Emma, one of only 500 female airline captains in the world until 2020, spent over a decade flying passengers across Europe. Her remarkable career took her to new heights, flying multi-million-pound jets, transporting celebrities, royalty, and even her own children. As a trailblazer in the aviation industry, Emma became widely known after starring in ITV’s documentary ‘Inside the Cockpit’, earning her the nickname "Captain Emma."
However, in 2020, the global pandemic brought her dream career to a sudden halt. With flights grounded and her future uncertain, Emma faced uncharted territory. Rather than standing still, she chose to soar in a new direction. Emma founded ‘Project Wingman’, a charity led by airline professionals who had been furloughed or made redundant, providing vital support to overworked and under-supported healthcare workers during the pandemic.
Today, Emma shares her inspiring journey from the cockpit to charity leadership, offering powerful lessons in resilience, perseverance, and grace under pressure. Through her story, she draws on the challenges she has faced, both in aviation and beyond, to promote strong leadership skills that are adaptable to any situation.
Whether you're looking for inspiration or practical advice, Emma’s story resonates with anyone facing adversity. Discover how she turned her passion for aviation into a platform for positive change, empowering others to find strength and purpose, even when life takes unexpected turns.