Captain

Alexander
Thornton

Royal Atlantic Airways

"The Navigator"

With over two decades commanding long-haul flights across six continents, I bring precision, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to aviation excellence.

Contact Discover
22,000+
Flight Hours
6
Continents Flown
18
Years Commanding
About
Alexander Thornton portrait

A Life Defined by Flight

Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, I discovered my passion for aviation at the age of twelve watching the Concorde soar over the Scottish Highlands. That moment set me on an unwavering path to the skies.

After graduating top of my class from the Royal Air Force College Cranwell, I spent eight years flying military transport missions before transitioning to commercial aviation. Today, as a Captain with Royal Atlantic Airways, I command the Boeing 787 Dreamliner on intercontinental routes.

Beyond the cockpit, I am a certified flight instructor, aviation safety consultant, and passionate mentor to the next generation of pilots. I believe that true leadership is measured not by rank, but by the lives you touch and the standards you uphold.

— Captain A. Thornton
Flight Experience

A Career Built on Excellence

From military airfields to the world's busiest international airports, every flight has shaped the Captain I am today.

A380 First Officer

Emirates Airways

2014 – 2019 · Dubai

Captain B787

Royal Atlantic Airways

2019 – Present · London

RAF Squadron Leader

Royal Air Force Transport Command

2004 – 2012 · RAF Brize Norton
Fleet Experience

Aircraft Commanded

Type-rated and current on the world's most advanced commercial aircraft.

✈

Boeing 787-9

Dreamliner · Long-Haul

✈

Boeing 777-300ER

Triple Seven · Ultra Long-Haul

✈

Airbus A350-1000

XWB · Long-Haul

✈

Airbus A380

Superjumbo · Ultra Long-Haul

Career Timeline

The Journey So Far

2004

RAF Commission

Graduated RAF College Cranwell. Commissioned as Pilot Officer.

2008

First Command

Promoted to Flight Lieutenant. C-130 Hercules tactical transport.

2012

Transition to Commercial

Joined Emirates as First Officer on Boeing 777.

2014

A380 Type Rating

Achieved type rating on the Airbus A380. Dubai–London routes.

2019

Captaincy

Appointed Captain with Royal Atlantic Airways. Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

2024

Fleet Leader

Fleet Captain overseeing 787 operations. Mentoring 24 first officers.

Certifications

Licenses & Credentials

ATPL

Airline Transport Pilot License

EASA · FAA

CRM

Crew Resource Management

Instructor Level

LOFT

Line Oriented Flight Training

Evaluator Certified

EFIS

Electronic Flight Instrument Systems

Type-Rated

LVO

Low Visibility Operations

CAT III Certified

SMS

Safety Management Systems

Lead Auditor

Skills

Professional Competencies

Crew Resource Management98%
Instrument Flight Rules96%
Navigation & Flight Planning94%
Crew Leadership97%
Flight Safety & Risk Mgmt99%
Weather Analysis92%
Emergency Procedures98%
Multi-Crew Coordination95%
By the Numbers

A Career in Statistics

22000+
Flight Hours
86
Countries Visited
4800+
Successful Flights
22
Years of Experience
Testimonials

Trusted by Peers

"

Captain Thornton is the finest aviator I've had the privilege to fly with. His command presence in the cockpit is matched only by his genuine humility. A true leader.

Captain Sarah Mitchell
Royal Atlantic Airways · 787 Fleet
"

His mentorship during my transition to the 787 was invaluable. Alex's dedication to safety and excellence sets the standard for our entire fleet.

First Officer James Patel
Royal Atlantic Airways
"

Thoroughly professional, exceptionally skilled, and a pleasure to work with. He brings out the best in every crew he leads.

Michael Torres
VP Flight Operations · Royal Atlantic
Contact

Let's Connect

Available for speaking engagements, consulting, and mentorship opportunities.

Get in Touch

Whether you're an aspiring pilot seeking guidance, a media outlet looking for aviation commentary, or an organization interested in safety consulting — I'd love to hear from you.

alexander.thornton@royalatlantic.com
London Heathrow · Crew Base
+44 (0) 20 7946 0832