ORIGINAL: Synthetic
If you'll read the article you'll see it says he is one of the most experienced pilot this company has.
I would say he has already made it to the "old" pilot stage.
The article also states he is in his mid fifties and one of their most experienced pilots.
[The 322mph fly-by was cheered by onlookers, and the pilot, who is said to be one of the most senior aviators with the airline, later toasted the flight with champagne.]
[ Mr Wilkinson, who is in his mid-fifties ]
If the idiot had crashed, I don't think the champagne corks would be popping. They would most likely be trying to count the $$$ it would cost them when the ins co. washed its hands of any claim.