Kate McWilliams, aged 26, has become the world’s youngest female commercial airline captain according to budget carrier, easyjet.

McWilliams, from Carlisle, said passengers and cabin staff are “pleasantly surprised and impressed” when she tells them her age.

She began flying in the air cadets at 13 years old and at age 19, she enrolled on a training programme at CTC Aviation, Southampton, before joining easyjet as a first officer, or co-pilot, in 2011.

Speaking to the Press Association, McWilliams said that she never expected to become a commercial pilot but she has “never looked back” since she embarked on training.

She said: “Personally, I don’t think my age matters. I’ve been through the same training and passed the same command course as every other captain, so I’ve proven myself capable regardless of my age.

“I do now get asked how old I am on an almost daily basis, which didn’t used to happen when I was a first officer.”

McWilliams flies Airbus A319 and A320 planes to around 100 destinations, including Iceland and Israel.

Recently, she flew from Gatwick to Malta alongside Luke Elsworth, who earlier this year became the UK’s youngest pilot at 19 years.

With women only accounting for five per cent of commercial pilots, Julie Westhorp, chair of the British Women Pilots’ Association, hopes more females will follow in McWilliams’s steps.

Last year, easyjet revealed plans to double the number of female entrants to 12 per cent over two years.

Westhorp said: “Both the BWPA and easyJet are aware of the importance of visible role models for girls and young women when making career choices and continue to work together to encourage young women to consider a pilot career.

“Kate’s achievement clearly demonstrates to other young women that it is possible to succeed as a pilot in commercial aviation. We wish Kate continuing success in her career and are delighted that she is now an excellent role model for other females.”