Sunwing Celebrates Black History Month with Commemorative Flight

For the second year, Sunwing Vacations' primary airline partner, Sunwing Airlines was pleased to kick off Black History Month with a special flight from Toronto to Montego Bay.
The plane full of happy passengers was crewed by a mainly Toronto-based complement of Black Sunwing employees.

According to Sunwing, leading the charge inflight was Captain Jeffrey Gill (the lone Montreal-based member) and First Officer Bereket Dadi (Toronto-based), along with Cabin Safety Manager Urszula Dec (Toronto-based) and Toronto-based Flight Attendants Chantele Francis, Nicole Cregg and Cheryl Williams, who have excelled in the field of aviation, inspiring others and paving the way for the next generation.

"Celebrating Black History Month through this commemorative flight is more than just recognition – it's a powerful message about progress and possibility," says Michael Simmons, Sunwing Airlines’ Director of Line Operations. 

Sunwing acknowledges the significance of Black History Month in February, but more so the importance of supporting the Black community throughout the year, which it aims to do through its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy. Promoting, honouring and celebrating DEI for all experiences and backgrounds is an extension of its EPIC Values.

"Together, Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines honour Black History Month and the legacy of Black Canadians through its Brave Space Conversation series where thought-provoking and meaningful dialogue is shared across the organization, ongoing reflection is encouraged, and the innovations and achievements are celebrated, while recognizing the challenges and systemic barriers still experienced to this day," states Sunwing.

Simmons, who was credited with spearheading the flight initiative, says "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. Today, 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."

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