Brother and sister pilots fly commercial plane together for the first time: ‘The stars really aligned’

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WCAV) – A flight in the northeast had an unusual situation this week: a brother and sister duo piloting the aircraft.

The flight marked the first time that Caitlyn and Bailey James piloted a commercial aircraft together.

They both work for regional airline CommuteAir.

“I’m Captain Bailey James and this is my co-pilot and sister, Caitlyn James,” the pilot told passengers over the intercom before takeoff.

The flight left Dulles International Airport, flew to Charlottesville Albemarle Regional Airport, and then back to Dulles.

The siblings’ parents were also passengers on the flight to witness the special moment.

Caitlyn and Bailey James both aspired to become a pilot from a young age, and neither gave up on that dream.

Caitlyn James said it was her brother Bailey James that initially inspired her.

“I was actually first inspired by my big brother, he was my first flight instructor when I was in high school, and ever since then, it’s been my dream,” she said.

Neither imagined, though, that they would be able to fly a commercial plane together until a few weeks ago.

“The stars really aligned, and it was just really nice and refreshing,” Bailey James said.

“We both have a shared goal of working together and getting everyone there safely,” Caitlyn James said. “It also just makes it extra special and fun because we both are so passionate about flying airplanes and being in the air, so it makes it really enjoyable to do something with someone you know cares so much, and you both have a good time doing it.”

The siblings said they would not have wanted to experience this special moment with anyone else.

“It’s kind of hard not to say she’s not my favorite first officer. She does great work. I’m just so impressed,” Bailey James said.

The two hope that there will be many more flights together in the future.

Copyright 2025 WCAV via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.