Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana of Thailand has made headlines following her recent milestone achievement of flying solo in a fighter jet. On October 8, 2026, she piloted a JAS 39C Gripen jet at the Royal Thai Air Force base in Surat Thani. The historic flight occurred under the watchful eye of her husband, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who was present on the ground to witness the moment.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/queen-suthida-fighter-jet-101626-b198cca6dc0748dc8364ebbd7c18107a.jpg)
Upon completing the flight, a radiant Queen Suthida was greeted by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who presented his wife with a bouquet of flowers and adorned her uniform with a gold Gripen Order patch. This notable accomplishment makes her the first reigning queen globally to operate a fighter jet, a significant achievement not only for her but also for the Thai monarchy.
Queen Suthida, who is 48, has an extensive background in aviation. Before her marriage to King Vajiralongkorn in 2019, she worked as a flight attendant for both Japan Airways and Thai Airways. Her commitment to aviation is evident, having begun her flying training in 2010. To date, she boasts nearly 1,190 flying hours and is also certified to pilot civilian aircraft. She regularly takes on the role of co-pilot during royal engagements, showcasing her skills during official state visits.
Just a few days after her groundbreaking flight, the Queen continued her aviation exploits. On October 14, she piloted a royal aircraft from Bangkok to Hokkaido, Japan, marking the beginning of a week-long royal visit. This trip involved presenting medals and trophies at the 2027 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s Asia Championship, affirming her active role in various royal duties.
The Queen’s foray into flying places her alongside other royals known for their aerial capabilities. For instance, Prince William of the UK earned his Royal Air Force wings from his father, then-Prince Charles, in 2008. Following his training, he served as an RAF search and rescue pilot until 2013. The British royal has since transitioned to a full-time royal role but remains passionate about flying, even imparting this interest to his son, Prince George, who received his first flying lesson in September 2024.
Similarly, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands has a impressive aviation credentials. He served in the Royal Navy and has accumulated several pilot licenses, including both a Military Pilot’s Licence and an Airline Transport Pilot Licence. To keep his skills sharp, he occasionally serves as a guest pilot for KLM Cityhopper, highlighting the royal family’s commitment to aviation.
Crown Prince Christian of Denmark is also making strides in this field as he undergoes military training. In a notable event last fall, he experienced flying in an F-16, reflecting not only his aspirations but also a familial legacy tied to flight and service. After the training flight, he expressed his delight and hinted at the possibility of a future career in the Air Force following his educational obligations.
The enthusiasm shown by these royals for piloting demonstrates a fascinating dimension of modern monarchy, one that combines tradition with the evolving interests of public figures. Queen Suthida’s recent achievements reiterate her commitment not only to her royal duties but also to a personal passion that distinguishes her as a modern queen.
As she embarks on even more international engagements, her remarkable journey in the skies may inspire others, blending aviation with royal representation on a global stage. The Queen’s engagement in such initiatives not only furthers her personal ambitions but also upholds the prominence of the Thai monarchy in international affairs.
In a world where royal duties often encompass a range of ceremonial events, Queen Suthida’s dedication to both her royal role and her passion for flying is a refreshing reminder of the evolving nature of contemporary royal responsibilities.