Two Montreal-based global aviation companies, Air Canada and CAE, are joining together to advance diversity in aviation by doubling the number of 2023 Captain Judy Cameron Scholarships granted to young Canadian women studying to become commercial pilots or maintenance engineers.

The initiative will enable up to four aspiring commercial pilots to be invited to join the CAE Women in Flight program as an ambassador.

Launched in 2019, Air Canada’s Judy Cameron scholarships were previously awarded to four recipients, which is increasing to eight, with the support of CAE and their Women in Flight ambassador program. The annual program, established in honour of Air Canada’s first female pilot to help foster the next generation of women following in her trailblazing footsteps, are awarded in conjunction with the Northern Lights Aero Foundation.

Cameron, a former Boeing 777 Captain at Air Canada (retired), and current director of the Northern Lights Aero Foundation, says, “Financial support to assist with the high cost of flight training is crucial to their success.”

She adds, “When I began my first flying lesson in 1973, I never imagined that someday I would be able to encourage other women to enter this amazing career. Thanks to Air Canada and CAE for helping women to follow their dreams and fly.”

Murray Strom, Sr. VP Flight Operations at Air Canada adds, “Air Canada has long championed gender equality particularly in non-traditional, highly specialized aviation careers… (Doubling the scholarships) means together, we can expand the reach to help more young women across Canada in their studies as commercial pilots or maintenance engineers. We look forward to seeing these recipients follow their aviation dreams and in future, certify as airworthy, or be in command of, an Air Canada aircraft.”

“Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to CAE’s culture,” says Nick Leontidis, Group President, Civil Aviation, CAE. “The Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship program aligns with our efforts of creating a movement that encourages young women to dream big. A movement started by pioneers like Captain Cameron, inspiring young women everywhere to pursue careers in aviation.”

Scholarship applications are open until Nov. 30 here.