Alicia Hempleman-Adams, a 35-year-old fashion consultant from Bath, England, has etched her name into aviation history by setting three new female world records in an airship — exactly 20 years after her father, famed adventurer Sir David Hempleman-Adams, set the male record in the same aircraft.
Taking off solo in Connecticut, Alicia soared to an altitude of 4,100 feet (1,250 metres) and covered a distance of 20.5 km in just one hour and seven minutes, a remarkable feat that adds to her already impressive air sports legacy.
Once verified by the World Air Sports Federation (FAI), this achievement will bring her total to six world records and 15 British records, solidifying her position as one of the most accomplished female airship pilots in history.
“It was emotional and empowering to fly the same airship my father used,” said Alicia, reflecting on the milestone. “I’m proud to carry forward his legacy while carving out my own.”
Her father’s altitude record from 2004 remains unbeaten, but now, Alicia shares a unique bond with the sky — and the very airship that made both of their record-breaking dreams take flight.
