Air Canada and CAE Celebrate Five Years of Empowering Female Aviators with the Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship

Air Canada and CAE Celebrate Five Years of Empowering Female Aviators with the Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship

Air Canada and CAE, two leading Montreal-based aviation companies, are commemorating the fifth anniversary of the Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship. This milestone marks half a decade of their joint efforts to encourage and support young Canadian women pursuing careers as commercial pilots or aircraft maintenance engineers. As they celebrate this significant anniversary, the 2024 scholarship applications have officially opened, promising to uphold the legacy of fostering female talent in aviation.

Empowering the Next Generation: The Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship, named after Air Canada's first female pilot, has been a beacon of inspiration and support for aspiring female aviators. This year, up to eight scholarships will be awarded, with four of the recipients also joining the CAE Women in Flight program as ambassadors. This initiative not only provides financial assistance but also a platform for young women to become role models in the industry.

A Legacy of Achievement: Reflecting on the success of the scholarship, Judy Cameron, the trailblazer herself, expressed pride in the achievements of past recipients who are now making their mark in all regions of Canada. From piloting Boeing 737s to instructing future aviators, these women are living proof of the scholarship's impact.

A Bright Future Ahead: Murray Strom, Senior Vice President of Flight Operations and Maintenance at Air Canada, shared his pride in witnessing the progress of past scholarship winners and his anticipation for the future successes of new recipients. Michel Azar-Hmouda, CAE's Division President of Commercial Aviation Training, highlighted the critical need for commercial pilots in North America and the importance of supporting underrepresented groups in aviation, particularly women.

About the Scholarship Namesake: Judy Cameron made history in 1978 as Air Canada's first female pilot and has since been a pioneering figure in Canadian aviation. Her career spanned over 40 years, culminating in her becoming the first female captain of a Boeing 777 in Canada. Today, she continues to mentor and support the next generation of female pilots through the Northern Lights Aero Foundation.

About the CAE Women in Flight Ambassador Program:

The CAE Women in Flight Ambassador program aims to inspire and empower women to pursue careers in aviation. With women representing only five percent of pilots globally, the program seeks to change perceptions and encourage more women to aim for the skies.

Applications Now Open:

Aspiring female aviators can apply for the 2024 Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship starting November 1, 2023. This opportunity is not just a scholarship; it's a chance to join a community of ambassadors who will lead, inspire, and pave the way for future generations of women in aviation. If you want more information on the scholarship and application process, visit the official Air Canada website.