On February 4th, Sunwing Airlines celebrated Black History Month with its second annual commemorative flight, departing from Toronto to Montego Bay. A plane full of eager travelers set off on their well-deserved vacations, with an inspiring crew leading the journey. This year’s flight was led by a trailblazing Black flight deck and cabin crew.

At the helm were Captain Jeffrey Gill from Montreal and First Officer Bereket Dadi from Toronto, joined by Cabin Safety Manager Urszula Dec and Flight Attendants Chantele Francis, Nicole Cregg, and Cheryl Williams, all based in Toronto. These individuals have made remarkable strides in aviation, serving as role models and opening doors for the next generation of aviation professionals.

Michael Simmons, Sunwing Airlines’ Director of Line Operations and the driving force behind this important initiative, spoke to the importance of recognizing Black history in this way: “Celebrating Black History Month through this commemorative flight is more than just recognition – it’s a powerful message about progress and possibility. As someone who’s spent over 30 years in aviation, I’ve witnessed firsthand how representation has evolved. When I started, I rarely saw pilots who looked like me. By highlighting the achievements of Black aviation professionals, we’re showing the next generation that this exciting industry has a place for them. This isn’t just about acknowledging our past but also how we’re actively shaping the future by ensuring young people can see themselves in aviation. When they see us in the cockpit and on board as crew members, they know their dreams can take flight too.”

Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines are committed to honoring Black History Month and celebrating the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians. This dedication is reflected in their Brave Space Conversation series, which fosters meaningful dialogue within the organization. Through these conversations, Sunwing encourages ongoing reflection and recognizes the progress made, while also acknowledging the challenges and systemic barriers that persist.

While February serves as an important time for reflection, Sunwing is steadfast in its support of the Black community year-round. The company actively champions Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) through its strategy, ensuring that DEI values are upheld across all experiences and backgrounds in alignment with the company’s EPIC Values.

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