Air Canada Marks Black History Month With Celebratory Flight
February is Black History Month in Canada, and Air Canada marked the occasion with a special celebratory flight on February 28th. The flight, which departed from Toronto Pearson International Airport and flew over several historical sites significant to Black Canadians, aimed to recognize the contributions of Black Canadians to the country’s history and culture.
The Flight
Air Canada flight AC1850 departed Toronto Pearson International Airport at 12:15 PM on February 28th, and flew over several significant sites, including the Underground Railroad, the Halifax Explosion Memorial, and the site of Africville, a former Black community in Halifax that was forcibly relocated in the 1960s.
The flight was operated by a crew of all Black pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff, including Captain Michael Thomas, who has been with Air Canada for over 30 years and is the company’s first Black pilot.
In addition to the flight, Air Canada also hosted an onboard discussion with Black Canadian influencers and leaders, including filmmaker Charles Officer, Olympian Marsha Hudey, and Parliamentary Secretary for Diversity and Inclusion Greg Fergus.
Celebrating Black History Month
The special celebratory flight was just one of the many ways that Air Canada is recognizing Black History Month this year. The airline has also featured Black Canadians in its in-flight entertainment and provided resources to employees on Black history and culture.
Air Canada’s Black Employee Network has also organized several events throughout the month, including virtual discussions and guest speakers, to promote education and awareness about Black history and culture.
In a statement, Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources and Communications Officer at Air Canada, emphasized the importance of celebrating Black History Month and recognizing the contributions of Black Canadians.
“Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the significant contributions Black Canadians have made and continue to make to our country, and to promote education and awareness about Black history and culture,” said Meloul-Wechsler. “We are proud to celebrate Black History Month with this special flight and our other initiatives, and we are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our business.”
Conclusion
Air Canada’s celebratory flight and other initiatives to recognize Black History Month demonstrate the airline’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace and beyond. By highlighting the contributions of Black Canadians to the country’s history and culture, Air Canada is helping to raise awareness and promote education about the important role that Black Canadians have played and continue to play in shaping the country’s identity.
vince salvador
May 25th, 2023
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