Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson is now a commercial airline pilot:

"It's a great job," Dickinson was quoted as saying by the Sunday Telegraph newspaper. "Nothing else compares."

Charter airline Astraeus confirmed that Dickinson, 44, serves as first officer on Boeing 737s flying between Britain and holiday destinations in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

The band — famous for long hair and high-pitched hits like "Run to the Hills" — formed in the late 1970s and still has a loyal following.

"We have had Iron Maiden fans on board who when they heard my name being announced as first officer asked the hostesses if it was the rock star," Dickinson was quoted as saying.

"When told it was they spent the flight with their jaws on the floor then ask if they can have a chat with me."

Dickinson, who gained his commercial pilot's license in the 1990s, still performs with Iron Maiden during holidays from his airline job. In June, a rereleased "Run to the Hills" reached No. 9 on the British singles chart.