Sunwing Airlines, embarked on its second annual celebratory flight in honour of Black History Month on Tuesday. Departing from Toronto to Montego Bay, the flight was led by a Black flight deck and cabin crew.
Led by Montreal-based Captain Jeffrey Gill and First Officer Bereket Dadi (Toronto), along with Toronto-based Cabin Safety Manager Urszula Dec and flight attendants Chantele Francis, Nicole Cregg and Cheryl Williams, the group have all “excelled in the field of aviation, inspiring others and paving the way for the next generation,” stated Sunwing.
Michael Simmons, Sunwing Airlines’ Director of Line Operations and the driving force behind the important initiative, said “Celebrating Black History Month through this commemorative flight is more than just recognition – it’s a powerful message about progress and possibility. As someone who’s spent over 30 years in aviation, I’ve witnessed firsthand how representation has evolved.
“When I started, I rarely saw pilots who looked like me. Today, by highlighting the achievements of Black aviation professionals, we’re showing the next generation that this exciting industry has a place for them. This isn’t just about acknowledging our past but also how we’re actively shaping the future by ensuring young people can see themselves in aviation. When they see us in the cockpit and on board as crew members, they know their dreams can take flight too.”
Together, Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines honour Black History Month and the legacy of Black Canadians through its Brave Space Conversation series where thought-provoking and meaningful dialogue is shared across the organization, ongoing reflection is encouraged, and the innovations and achievements are celebrated, while recognizing the challenges and systemic barriers still experienced to this day.
February is an important time of reflection, however Sunwing is proud to support the Black community every day of the year through its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy, while promoting, honouring and celebrating DEI for all experiences and backgrounds as an extension of its EPIC Values.
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