CARLISLE Lake District Airport was delighted to welcome a world record-breaking pilot to its airfield. 

Jennifer Murray, who made history in 2000 by flying solo around the globe in a Robinson R44 helicopter in just 99 days, stopped at the airfield in her helicopter last week for a fuel break.

She was travelling from Edinburgh, where she had been visiting family, to her home in the south of England.

A spokesperson for the airport said: "Today's very special guest at Carlisle Lake District Airport was none other than Guinness World Record holder Jennifer Murray.

"We’re honoured to have welcomed such an aviation legend and look forward to her next visit."

READ MORE: Carlisle airport owners exploring options as £5m investment reaffirmed

Ms Murray, who achieved her 99-day solo Guinness World Record with an average speed of 16.99 km/h at the age of 60, has a history of record-breaking flights.

In 1997, she and co-pilot Quentin Smith became the first to fly around the world in a helicopter.

Their 97-day journey spanned 28 countries, including Italy, India, Russia, and the USA.

On September 6, 2000, Murray received acclaim as the first woman to make a solo flight around the world in a helicopter and the first person to do so without autopilot.

After her solo achievement, Ms Murray, with co-pilot Colin Bodill, became the first woman to fly a helicopter to the South Pole.

They also hold the record for the fastest circumnavigation via both Poles, at 170 days.

Whilst it doesn't serve commercial passenger flights, Carlisle Lake District Airport remains open to military and general aviation and is open from 9am to 5pm, seven days a week.

In May this year, the Cumberland News revealed the airport had been brought under the control of the A.W. Jenkinson Group who have committed to investing £5m into the site. 

Options are currently being explored as the best way to bring 'long-term economic purpose' and 'sustainable jobs' to the site.