Captain Jolanda Witvliet, a longtime pilot for United Airlines, received a touching water cannon salute at O’Hare International Airport on May 24, 2026, after completing her final flight following an inspiring 36-year aviation career.
For her farewell journey, Captain Witvliet chose a deeply personal route from Amsterdam to Chicago. Born in the Netherlands and based in Chicago for decades, she was joined onboard by close friends and family members who celebrated the special moment with her throughout the flight.
Her aviation dream began in childhood after winning a writing contest that rewarded her with a chance to sit at the controls of an aircraft. Despite being told by an instructor that “girls could not be pilots,” she refused to give up. She later moved to the United States, completed flight training, and joined United Airlines in 1990.
Over the years, Captain Witvliet earned type ratings on the Boeing 737, 757, 767, and 777, while also serving as a simulator instructor, line check airman, aviation author, and volunteer with the Air Line Pilots Association. Colleagues described her as more than just a captain — calling her a mentor, teacher, coach, and family to many across the aviation community.