MONTREAL — Air Canada wrapped Black History Month today with its second annual Black History celebratory flight.

Flight AC660 from Montreal to Halifax was planned, supported and operated by Black pilots, flight attendants, managers and employees on the ground and behind the scenes at Montreal Trudeau International Airport and on arrival at Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

“Air Canada salutes its Black employees who have proudly championed their identity and pride to showcase their achievements and contributions to aviation. This is the second year in a row we have applauded Black excellence with a celebration flight and we are thrilled to highlight our employees’ professional achievements. They are incredible ambassadors and role models for the next generation of Black youth,” said Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Public Affairs at Air Canada.

Meloul-Wechsler said that passengers onboard today’s flight to Halifax include a number of Air Canada employees and special guests who will visit the commemorative site of Africville to learn more about the rich Black cultural heritage, and the long and deep Black history roots in the Halifax area.

William Batson, Manager, Line Operations, Flight Operations in Toronto, and Captain of flight AC660, said: “To me, being a Black aviation professional means having the responsibility to mentor the next generation of young aviators. I am extremely fortunate today because of the efforts of the few Black pilots that came before me. I appreciate and thank all the many hard-working professionals who have contributed to the success of the day.”