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Boeing Honours Ayrshire P-8 Pilot Instructor on Reserves Day

  • Balances dual roles as a lead pilot instructor at Boeing and a Reservist with the Royal Air Force (RAF)
  • Flew the UK’s first P-8 aircraft back to Scotland in 2020

LOSSIEMOUTH, United Kingdom, June 25, 2025 — In celebration of Reserves Day, Boeing [NYSE:BA] recognises Mark Faulds, a Fenwick, Ayrshire native and lead pilot instructor for the P-8 Poseidon, as one of the many reservists who dual-hat as serving members of the UK armed forces.

Originally from south of Glasgow, Scotland, the lead pilot instructor joined the RAF in 1990 and has since accumulated 31 years of experience flying a variety of aircraft.

Prior to his role at Boeing, he served as the chief flying instructor in the RAF, where he developed his skills in training and leadership. His expertise was further enhanced during his time in the United States, where he taught on the United States Navy's P-8 fleet.

“One of the most notable highlights of my career was flying the UK's first P-8 aircraft back into the country,” he said. “It was a significant milestone for the RAF, and I take great pride in being part of that moment.”

The P-8, equipped with cutting-edge technology to support evolving mission needs, plays a crucial role in monitoring the UK and Europe’s maritime and national security.

At Boeing, the lead pilot instructor balances his civilian responsibilities with his commitment to the RAF Reserves, dedicating up to 10 days a year to Reservist service.

This allows him to fly regularly while providing essential training to new Poseidon pilots, ensuring they are well-prepared to operate one of the most advanced maritime patrol aircraft in the world.

“His dedication to both Boeing and the RAF exemplifies the values of service, leadership and excellence we look for in our valued teammates,” said Steve Burnell, managing director of Boeing Defence UK. “We are proud to celebrate his contributions and the impact he has had on both military and civilian aviation.”

Boeing holds a Gold Award with the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme and is an active supporter of the Armed Forces Covenant.

For more information about Boeing and its commitment to supporting military personnel, please visit jobs.boeing.com/veterans.

About Boeing in the United Kingdom

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures, and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. The company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability, and community impact. Boeing has a UK workforce of over 4,000 people, including career starters, veterans and reserves across the country and is the largest supply chain base outside the United States, with £15.1 billion spent since 2015 across a network of over 950 domestic suppliers. For more information, visit www.boeing.co.uk or follow us on X @BoeingUK.

Contacts

Georgina Ramin
Boeing UK & Ireland Defence Communications Specialist
+44 (0) 7552 254770
georgina.ramin@boeing.com