Canada – Air Canada and CAE have opened applications for the seventh edition of the Captain  Judy  Cameron  Scholarship, targeting Canadian women pursuing careers as commercial pilots or aircraft maintenance engineers.

• Up to eight scholarships will be awarded for 2026.

• Four of these will go to aspiring commercial pilots who will become CAE Women in Flight ambassadors.

• Applications opened on Nov. 1, 2025.

• Past recipients have advanced to roles including Captain and First Officer at regional carriers, air ambulance pilots, and First Officers with major airlines.

• According to Air Canada, the scholarship is part of its strategy to develop and support the next generation of aviation professionals.

• CAE emphasises that North America will need around 60,000 new commercial pilots by 2034, underscoring the urgency of talent development in the sector.

Statements

• “As applications open for the seventh year of the Captain Judy Cameron Scholarships, it is exciting to see the progress of past recipients. From a Captain and First Officer at Jazz Aviation (Air Canada Express), to air ambulance, corporate, and charter pilots, as well as First Officers with major airlines, these women are turning their aviation dreams into reality, thanks to the support of Air Canada and CAE. Meeting the newest scholarship recipients at the Northern Lights Gala earlier this month was inspiring. Each of them is not only excelling in their training but also giving back. They are mentoring, volunteering, and encouraging other women to follow their own paths in aviation. I look forward to celebrating their future accomplishments.” – Judy Cameron, Boeing 777 Captain at Air Canada (retired), and Director, Northern Lights Aero Foundation

• “With 60,000 new commercial pilots needed in North America by 2034, there’s never been a more exciting time to inspire young women to take flight. At CAE, we’re passionate about opening doors and building confidence through our Women in Flight program and initiatives like the Captain Judy Scholarship. These scholarship recipients aren’t just future pilots — they’re trailblazers and role models, showing girls everywhere that the sky is theirs to reach.” – Marie‑Christine Cloutier, CAE Vice‑President, Performance, Strategy & Marketing

• “All of us at Air Canada are proud to support this scholarship and of the career successes we are seeing past recipients achieve. The Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship is a vital part of the work being done to develop and support the next generation of aviation professionals. We look forward to seeing their continued progression in this exciting profession.” – Murray Strom, Senior Vice‑President Flight Operations & Maintenance, Air Canada

Source: Air Canada
Photo Credit: Air Canada