As the calendar flips into November, there’s great news for young women with dreams of a career in aviation. Air Canada and CAE are now accepting applications for the Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship, designed to support aspiring female pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers across Canada. This scholarship, named after Air Canada’s first female pilot, Judy Cameron, reflects the airline’s commitment to gender inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Applications Open for the 2024 Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship
On November 1, 2024, Air Canada and Montreal-based CAE launched their sixth annual scholarship initiative, marking a significant stride toward empowering women in aviation. Since its inception in 2019, the Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship has grown substantially, awarding scholarships to an increasing number of young women pursuing aviation careers. In partnership with the Northern Lights Aero Foundation, up to eight scholarships will be granted this year to support training in 2025 for aspiring female commercial pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers.
Marie-Christine Cloutier, CAE’s Vice President of Performance, Strategy, and Marketing, emphasized the impact of these scholarships, stating, “We are proud to play a part in broadening the appeal of a career in aviation and supporting underrepresented groups through initiatives like the Captain Judy scholarships for aspiring women pilots.” She further highlighted the role of scholarship recipients as Women in Flight Ambassadors, where they will serve as role models and inspire future generations of female aviators.
Women in Flight Ambassadors: Role Models for the Future
The scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also connects recipients with CAE’s Women in Flight program. Established in 2018, this initiative partners with airlines globally, offering female pilots opportunities to serve as ambassadors, inspiring women to “dream big and have no limits.” Ambassadors in the program are encouraged to exhibit leadership skills, community involvement, and a commitment to aviation.
With only 5% of pilots worldwide being women, programs like Women in Flight are instrumental in changing the narrative. According to CAE’s latest forecasts, North America alone will need 63,000 new commercial pilots by 2032. Attracting more women to this field is essential to meet that demand, making these scholarships a critical part of building an inclusive future in aviation.
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A Shared Commitment to Building the Pilot Pipeline
Air Canada, which operates a fleet of 250 aircraft ranging from Airbus A220s to Boeing 787s, is keenly aware of the importance of these initiatives. The airline has long been invested in filling the pilot pipeline, and programs like the Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship are integral to this goal. Murray Strom, Air Canada’s Senior Vice President of Flight Operations and Maintenance, expressed the company’s pride in the achievements of past scholarship recipients, noting, “This initiative is important as we continue our work developing and supporting the next generation of aviation professionals.”
Honoring the Legacy of Captain Judy Cameron
Captain Judy Cameron, who became Air Canada’s first female pilot in 1978, logged over 23,000 hours on aircraft such as the DC-3, Airbus A320, and Boeing 767 and 777, leaving an indelible mark on Canadian aviation. In 1997, she became the first female captain at Air Canada and, in 2010, she achieved another milestone as the first female captain of a Boeing 777 in Canada. Although she retired in 2015, Captain Cameron remains an inspiration, actively mentoring young women through her work with the Northern Lights Aero Foundation.
Join the Legacy of Inclusivity in Aviation
The Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship offers aspiring female aviators a rare opportunity to pursue their dreams with the support of industry pioneers. If you’re a young Canadian woman considering a career in aviation, this scholarship could be your ticket to the skies. Applications for the 2024 scholarships are open now, and they promise not only financial aid but also a chance to join a network of inspiring women dedicated to shaping the future of aviation.