Here’s why AC167 was a special flight for Air Canada and its crew

MONTREAL — Celebrating Women of Aviation Worldwide Week in the lead up to International Women’s Day 2020 (March 8), Air Canada’s AC167 on March 5 from Toronto to Edmonton featured an all-female crew including pilots and cabin crew and supported by female maintenance, dispatch, ramp, baggage, customer service and operations teams. This was the fifth consecutive year for the all-female operated flight.

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Flight AC167 also made history by being the first transcontinental flight to be guided by all-female Nav Canada Air Traffic Controllers from departure in Toronto to landing in Edmonton.

“We see diversity as an important strength for a global company like Air Canada. Women here have shattered glass ceilings throughout, holding professional careers ranging from commanding the most sophisticated aircraft globally, overseeing technical, multidisciplinary airline operations, occupying C-suite and the most senior international leadership positions, and in leading and providing customer service,” says Air Canada President and CEO, Calin Rovinescu.

Credit: Facebook @aircanada

“We proudly salute and celebrate the achievements and contributions of the nearly 16,000 women who work at Air Canada around the world today.”

Air Canada also announced the four winners of its inaugural Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship. Cameron was Air Canada’s first female pilot. “We actively advance diversity through several initiatives, and we are especially thrilled to champion the next generation of women in non-traditional aviation careers by announcing the winners of the Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship, named in honour of our trailblazing, accomplished first female pilot,” said Rovinescu.

“Our message to young women is to follow your aviation dreams and know there are rewarding careers for all qualified people.”

Credit: Facebook @aircanada

Cameron said: “This scholarship will help other women overcome financial barriers to pursue their dreams, whether flying airplanes or fixing them. Thank you to Air Canada for making it possible for me to experience the most amazing career in the world and for encouraging other young women in their passion for aviation.”