Zara Rutherford, 19, is youngest women to fly the world solo

KORTRIJK, 21 Jan 2022:

Zara Rutherford, 19, yesterday became the youngest woman to fly solo around the globe after landing in Belgium after a round-the-world trip.

Rutherford landed in Kortrijk, successfully completing her five-month tour that took her through dozens of countries and five continents.

“Growing up I didn’t see many other female pilots. I’m just trying to be a friendly face, and if there are other girls out there who want to learn to fly or who like STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) then they know they’re not the only one,” Rutherford said.

The Belgian-British pilot, who has been documenting her journey on social media, added that she wanted to “encourage more girls” to pursue their ambitions.

The record was previously held by US pilot Shaesta Waiz, who circled the globe at the age of 30 in 2017.

– EFE