Pilot of the Year 2025: Jose Luis Laria Vazquez

At 28, Jose Luis Laria Vazquez made a decision that changed the direction of his life - leaving a stable engineering career to pursue aviation.

Years later, that decision has led to him being named Pilot of the Year at Heston Airlines.

When he first heard the news, he didn’t quite believe it. Only after seeing a photo from the awards ceremony did it begin to feel real.
“I thought it was a joke at first,” he admits, reflecting on the moment.

A CAREER BUILT OVER TIME

Jose doesn’t see this recognition as the result of a single year. Instead, he describes it as a continuation of how he has approached his work from the beginning - consistently delivering, maintaining high standards, and being someone others can rely on.

His path into aviation wasn’t conventional. Starting later meant facing uncertainty and proving that the decision was the right one. But the motivation had always been there, shaped by a long-standing fascination with flight and a desire to understand what happens beyond the passenger cabin.

LEADING UNDER PRESSURE

One of the defining periods of his recent career came in 2025, when he took on the role of Base Captain in Baku.

Managing a large-scale operation with rotating crews and high expectations brought constant pressure. At the same time, it became one of his most rewarding experiences - delivering strong results and knowing the client was satisfied with the outcome.

WHAT MAKES A GREAT PILOT

For Jose, the role goes beyond technical skills.

“It’s about being someone people feel comfortable approaching,” he says. “Someone who listens, supports others, and creates the right environment on the flight deck.”

That mindset has shaped his career just as much as any qualification or aircraft type.

LOOKING AHEAD

Over the years, Jose has progressed across aircraft and roles, building experience that goes beyond titles alone. For him, aviation is a long-term commitment - one that requires patience, consistency, and the ability to keep improving.

As he puts it:
“It’s not a 100-metre sprint - it’s more like a triathlon.”

To read the full interview with Jose Luis Laria Vazquez - including more stories from his journey and reflections on life in aviation - explore the latest edition of our online inflight magazine.