Happy Retirement, Dad!

On August 24th, 2025, my father completed his final flight as a British Airways captain — a milestone marking the end of a remarkable 36.5 year career at BA.

To mark this special occasion, my younger brother Ben and I were both directly involved in the flight. I was the First Officer, sharing the flight deck with Dad for this memorable journey. Ben, working as an air traffic controller at the Toronto Pearson control tower, provided Dad with his final landing clearance.

Mum was on board the aircraft too (in a VIP seat!), making it a true family affair.

It was a unique family moment: three Hardings, each playing a role in the culmination of Dad’s decades-long career with British Airways.

After landing, Dad was greeted with applause and heartfelt congratulations from colleagues and friends on the ground in Toronto. In a career with BA as long as his, Dad has touched the lives of many people, and it was heartwarming to see the outpouring of respect and admiration for his friendliness, dedication, and professionalism over the years.

My father’s dedication to aviation has inspired both Ben and me to pursue our own paths in the industry. Sharing this final flight together was a fitting tribute to his legacy — a day we’ll always remember.

Congratulations, Dad, on your retirement and thank you for everything you’ve taught us, both in the air and on the ground.