Kirsty Murphy MBE

Kirsty Murphy MBE is a groundbreaking figure in British aviation and an inspiring motivational keynote speaker. She made history as the first and only female pilot in the RAF’s Red Arrows, the world-renowned aerobatic display team. Kirsty’s story is not simply one of high-flying achievements – it’s also one of resilience, leadership, and advocacy. Growing up in an RAF family, she was immersed in the world of aviation from an early age, developing a deep respect for the camaraderie, precision, and discipline it demanded. At 16, she took her first flying lesson, beginning a journey that would take her to the very top of her profession.

After earning a Master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering with German from Imperial College London, Kirsty joined the Royal Air Force in 1998, training as a fast-jet pilot on the Hawk T1. She quickly distinguished herself, becoming an A2-qualified instructor and Instrument Rating Examiner. Later, she transitioned to the Tornado GR4, flying 39 operational missions over Iraq during her time with XIII Squadron. Her combat and instructional experience positioned her as one of the RAF’s most capable pilots. In 2009, she shattered a long-standing barrier when she was selected to join the Red Arrows, serving as Red 3, Red 5, and Red 9 during her tenure and flying over 130 public displays worldwide.

Kirsty’s journey has not been without personal challenges. During her time with the Red Arrows, she faced the trauma of two fatal accidents within the team, along with the breakdown of her marriage. These events led to severe anxiety and emotional exhaustion, prompting her to seek cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Her candidness about mental health in high-performance environments is rare and powerful, and she now speaks openly to help destigmatise mental health support, especially in male-dominated fields. Her willingness to be vulnerable has made her an impactful and relatable figure to audiences across industries.

Since leaving the RAF, Kirsty has continued to fly as part of The Blades Aerobatic Display Team and served as an events consultant for high-profile aviation projects. She now works in sustainable innovation at Connected Places Catapult, focusing on future flight technologies such as eVTOL and hydrogen aircraft. In 2019, she was appointed an Aviation Ambassador by the Department for Transport, using her platform to inspire young people – especially girls – to consider careers in aviation and STEM. Her speeches blend technical excellence with personal insight, motivating audiences to break barriers of their own, just as she has done throughout her remarkable career.