Empowering Future Pilots: The Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship Opens Applications for 2026

Empowering Future Pilots: The Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship Opens Applications

In a landmark initiative promoting gender diversity in aviation, Air Canada and CAE are proud to announce that applications for the seventh edition of the Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship will be opening tomorrow, November 1, 2025. This prestigious scholarship program is primarily aimed at uplifting young Canadian women aspiring to become commercial pilots or aircraft maintenance engineers.

Each year, the program awards up to eight scholarships to eligible candidates, underscoring the commitment of both companies to nurturing the next generation of female leaders in the aviation industry. Among the recipients, four promising pilots will join the CAE Women in Flight program as ambassadors, setting an inspiring example within their communities.

Since its inception in 2019, the Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship has fostered a wave of change in the aviation sector, encouraging young women to dream big and take flight. Judy Cameron, the scholarship's namesake and the first female pilot hired by Air Canada, began her remarkable journey in aviation at just 23 years of age. Today, she remains a beacon of inspiration for many, having dedicated her post-retirement life to mentoring young women pursuing careers in aviation.

The achievements of past scholarship recipients highlight the program's impact. From first officers and captains at major airlines to air ambulance pilots, these women have transformed their aspirations into successful careers, thanks to the unwavering support of Air Canada and CAE.

“Seeing the success stories of previous recipients drives home the importance of this scholarship,” Judy Cameron shared. “Each recipient is not just excelling in their training but actively giving back by mentoring and supporting other women in their journeys.” Her sentiment resonates within Air Canada, where senior executives express pride in backing such initiatives that stimulate female representation in the field of aviation.

As demand for pilots continues to rise—estimates indicate that North America will need around 60,000 new commercial pilots by 2034—there has never been a better moment for young women to embark on airline careers. “Opening doors and ensuring women feel confident in their ambitions is at the core of the Women in Flight program and the Captain Judy Scholarship initiative,” remarked Marie-Christine Cloutier, CAE's Vice President. This program aims at countering the statistic that women constitute only about five percent of pilots worldwide.

Judy Cameron’s story is significant not just as a part of history, but it exemplifies the path many young women can chart for themselves. She graduated from Selkirk College’s Aviation Technology Program in 1975 and went on to lead an illustrious career, culminating in her becoming the first female captain of a Boeing 777 in Canada in 2010. After her retirement in 2015, she received multiple accolades, including the prestigious Elsie MacGill Northern Lights Award, and remains dedicated to guiding the next generation of aviators.

Air Canada, as Canada’s largest airline and a founding member of Star Alliance, has continually invested in programs that support the development of future aviation professionals. Similarly, CAE has established itself as a leader in aviation training and simulation solutions for over 80 years, actively promoting inclusivity through initiatives like the Women in Flight Ambassador program.

As the November 1 deadline approaches, aspiring candidates are encouraged to apply for the scholarship and seize the opportunity to join a rapidly evolving industry. The scholarships strive to not only provide financial support for training but also create a network of advocates who will pave the way for future female pilots.

Applications can be made online on the official Air Canada and CAE websites. This could be the first step towards a soaring career in aviation for many women ready to break barriers and redefine possibilities.

As the aviation landscape transforms, the Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship remains a testament to the enduring spirit of women in aviation—a symbol of empowerment and a brighter future in the skies.

For more information regarding the application process, requirements, and timelines, please visit the scholarship program’s official webpage. Let’s inspire the next generation to spread their wings and embrace the skies!