AN aspiring airline pilot has offered to take Nicola Sturgeon to the skies after winning his fight to end discrimination against those with HIV.

The Glasgow man, known as Anthony, sought help from MP Patrick Grady and MSP Bob Doris when the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) refused to allow him to take up a training place with budget carrier easyJet due to his medical status.

It was claimed that the barrier was due to concerns about the impact of drug treatment on patients’ cognitive abilities.

Charity HIV Scotland called this “discriminatory” and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the CAA rules may breach equality laws.

Yesterday UK Transport Secretary Chris Grayling confirmed the CAA has reversed its decision to refuse Anthony a training licence.

The agency said it is “committed to being one of the most progressive aviation authorities in the world” and will issue relevant permissions to all HIV positive applicants as it seeks a permanent rule change with the European Aviation Safety Agency, the governing body responsible for medical standards.

Thanking supporters on Twitter, Anthony said he was “overwhelmed, shocked, elated and humbled”.

He added: “Words alone can’t express my gratitude.”

Anthony also offered to take Sturgeon and Doris on a flight as a special thank you, stating that without their interventions “I’m positive this change wouldn’t have come about so quickly”.

The National asked Sturgeon’s team if the First Minister will take up the offer. A spokesperson did not give a direct answer, replying: “We welcome news the CAA will take steps to ensure commercial pilots living with HIV will not face unnecessary disadvantages in the licensing process.

“HIV is treated as a disability under the Equality Act and this gives people with HIV protection against discrimination in employment, including the recruitment process.”

Anthony told an online news outlet: “I can now realise my dreams.”

He added: “ I’m grateful that it’s happened and very conscious of the fact that it’s not just me, it’s anyone with HIV that can now become a pilot. It’s monumental.

“It’s a huge change and I just hope that it triggers action not just in the UK but in the rest of Europe.”

Doris said: “I am delighted the CAA have responded to the representations that I made on behalf of my constituent.

“This rule change means he has the opportunity to pursue his dream of becoming a commercial pilot, ending the injustice and discrimination he faced. I very much hope this rule change will soon be adopted by EASA to ensure such discrimination ends right across Europe.

“My thanks to HIV Scotland for all their support and to the First Minister for responding so strongly to my representations. I pay tribute to the absolute determination of my constituent who refused to accept this injustice.”

Nathan Sparling, HIV Scotland’s head of policy and campaigning, said: “This is a massive win for people living with HIV who want to become pilots.

“It is because Anthony came forward with his story that the CAA is now taking a more sensible and realistic approach.”