LEEDS- Former Scotland rugby union captain Stuart McInally has moved from professional rugby into aviation after joining Jet2.com (LS) as a pilot. He retired from professional rugby in 2023 after a successful career with Scotland and Edinburgh.
McInally had pursued flying long before his rugby retirement. He began building flying hours in 2014 while still competing at the highest level of international rugby, then started studying for his Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) the day after completing his final professional rugby season.
From Scotland Rugby Captain to Jet2 Pilot
McInally’s move into aviation fulfils a childhood ambition that remained important throughout his professional rugby career. His decision to keep developing his aviation experience while playing at the highest level allowed him to build toward a second career before leaving professional sport.
His rugby career included representing Scotland and Edinburgh at the highest level, but his interest in flying continued alongside his sporting commitments. By beginning to build flying hours in 2014, he established a foundation for his long-term goal of becoming an airline pilot.
The timing of his aviation training reflected how seriously he had planned the transition. Rather than waiting until long after retirement, McInally began his ATPL studies immediately after finishing his final season as a professional rugby player.
Jet2 first came onto McInally’s radar through Captain Mike Stewart, whom he met during his rugby career.
Stewart learned about McInally’s passion for flying and invited him to Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to visit a flight deck and meet other Jet2 pilots.
The visit gave McInally first-hand insight into the airline’s operations and the work involved behind each flight. It also helped him understand how pilots work with colleagues across the wider business to deliver the customer experience.
That early exposure became an important part of McInally’s decision to pursue his aviation career with Jet2.
Why Jet2 Matched McInally’s Values
McInally viewed Jet2 as a natural choice because of its family-focused values. He connected with the idea that pilots do more than operate aircraft because they also contribute to family holidays and the memories passengers take home.
Jet2’s One Team culture was another factor that appealed to him. The culture brings colleagues across the business together to deliver flights and holidays, creating a working environment that closely reflects the team-based approach McInally experienced throughout professional rugby.
His decision therefore reflected more than a move from one industry to another. The working principles he valued in rugby were also relevant to the way Jet2 operates.
Rugby Skills That Transfer to Aviation
McInally has identified clear similarities between professional rugby and aviation. Teamwork, preparation and staying calm are central to both environments, particularly when people must perform consistently under pressure.
Elite rugby requires players to prepare thoroughly, communicate with teammates and respond calmly during changing situations.
Commercial aviation similarly depends on disciplined preparation, clear communication and effective teamwork.
McInally believes his rugby career has helped him pursue his aviation ambitions because the two professions share these core demands. His experience as an international athlete also gave him years of working within a highly structured, performance-focused team.
McInally Jet2 Training
McInally said Jet2’s training programme provided insight into the wider operation rather than focusing only on the pilot’s role.
The experience showed him how many people contribute to the customer journey and how closely different teams must work together to create the service Jet2 is known for.
He also highlighted how the airline’s values became clear during the training process. The experience reinforced his view that aviation, like rugby, depends on people working collectively toward a common result.
This understanding added another dimension to his career change. Becoming a pilot was not simply about fulfilling a personal ambition; it also meant joining an organisation whose working culture aligned with his experience and values.
Jet2’s View of McInally’s Career Transition
David Hills, Chief Customer Officer at Jet2, described McInally’s journey as an example of the people working across the business. He highlighted McInally’s achievements in rugby and his success in his new aviation career.
Hills also pointed to the qualities that helped McInally succeed as an athlete and have carried into his work in aviation.
Those qualities include preparation, teamwork and the ability to perform effectively in demanding environments.
Jet2’s response reinforces the broader value of McInally’s sporting background. His career change demonstrates how experience gained in elite sport can support a successful transition into another highly disciplined, team-oriented profession.
Childhood Dream Becomes Reality
McInally’s move to the Jet2 flight deck represents the completion of an ambition that began in childhood. Even while building a successful international rugby career, he continued developing his interest and experience in aviation.
Starting to build flying hours in 2014 showed that the goal remained active throughout his sporting career. Beginning ATPL studies immediately after his final professional rugby season then marked the next stage of that long-term plan.
His journey from Scotland rugby captain to airline pilot brings together two careers built around preparation, teamwork and composure. It also shows how a long-standing personal ambition can remain achievable when pursued alongside a demanding professional career.
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