Scholarships Open Doors for Aspiring Women Pilots

Air Canada and CAE, two Montreal-based global aviation companies, are continuing their collaboration to foster the next generation of women in non-traditional airline careers through the 2025 edition of the Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship.

Up to eight young Canadian women studying to become commercial pilots or aircraft maintenance engineers will be awarded scholarships to pursue their training in 2025. Of the eight, four recipients training to be commercial pilots will join the CAE Women in Flight program as ambassadors.

The annual Captain Judy Cameron Scholarships, 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.

“As we go into our sixth year of the Captain Judy Cameron Scholarships, I am proud to see that past recipients are now first officers and flight instructors from across Canada. Meeting scholarship recipients at the Northern Lights Aero Foundation gala each year is the highlight of the evening for me. These young women are the future of aviation. They have not only shown determination and excellence in their training, but they have also encouraged other women by mentoring and volunteering. Thanks to Air Canada and to CAE for supporting them in their journey,” said Judy Cameron, Boeing 777 Captain at Air Canada (retired), and Director, Northern Lights Aero Foundation.

“Attracting more women to a career in the flight deck is a priority for CAE’s Women in Flight program, especially with the need for 63,000 commercial pilots in North America by 2032. We are proud to play a part in broadening the appeal of aviation careers and supporting underrepresented groups with initiatives like the Captain Judy Scholarship for aspiring women pilots. As CAE Women in Flight Ambassadors, CAE’s scholarship recipients will also serve as role models to the young women who will form the next generation of aviation professionals,” said Marie-Christine Cloutier, CAE’s Vice-President, Performance, Strategy and Marketing.

The Captain Judy Cameron scholarships were launched in 2019 and initially awarded to four recipients. In 2023, Air Canada and CAE joined forces to double the number of recipients and award eight scholarships to eligible students.

CAE is a Diamond Sponsor at this year's EATS, taking place now through 7 November. 

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