TORONTO — Sunwing Airlines’ second annual Black History Month flight took to the skies yesterday, departing from Toronto to Montego Bay on Feb. 4.
This special flight, operated by a Black flight deck and cabin crew, highlighted the airline’s commitment to diversity, representation, and inclusivity within the aviation industry.
Captain Jeffrey Gill (Montreal) and First Officer Bereket Dadi (Toronto) led the flight, supported by Cabin Safety Manager Urszula Dec and Toronto-based flight attendants Chantele Francis, Nicole Cregg, and Cheryl Williams.
Michael Simmons, Sunwing Airlines’ Director of Line Operations and the key advocate behind this initiative, emphasized the importance of visibility and representation in aviation.
“Celebrating Black History Month through this commemorative flight is more than just recognition – it’s a powerful message about progress and possibility,” said Simmons. “When I started in aviation over 30 years ago, it was rare to see Black pilots. Today, we are showcasing the achievements of Black aviation professionals and inspiring young people to pursue careers in this dynamic industry.”
Beyond this annual flight, Sunwing Airlines and Sunwing Vacations foster dialogue and awareness through their Brave Space Conversation series, which encourages meaningful discussions about systemic barriers, achievements and innovations within the Black community. The company also upholds a year-round commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) as part of its broader corporate values.