At just 27 years old, Zoey Williams has made history as the first Black female pilot to fly a Boeing 777 for Air Canada.
Her journey to the cockpit is an inspiring testament to perseverance and breaking barriers in the aviation industry.
Growing up in an airline family, Williams was no stranger to the world of aviation.
Her father, a longtime Air Canada pilot, often had to bring her and her siblings along on flights due to work demands.
However, this exposure initially made her hesitant about pursuing a career in piloting. “I thought dressing up for red-eye flights was normal… turns out it’s not,” she recalled humorously.
Despite her early reluctance, Williams eventually found herself drawn to the skies.
Overcoming her initial fears—especially after a turbulent first flight—she pushed herself to confront her apprehensions.
“I didn’t want to live my life in fear, so I decided to go back up,” she shared.
Williams began her aviation career at a local airport, performing physically demanding tasks like towing and fueling planes. Determined to advance, she worked as a flight instructor and later flew to remote communities in northern Ontario, delivering essential supplies. Even during the pandemic, she used the time to earn a Master’s Degree before returning to commercial aviation.
Her persistence paid off when she secured a position with Air Canada, ultimately achieving her dream of piloting the Boeing 777.
One of her most memorable moments was sharing a flight deck with her father, fulfilling a goal she had set years ago. “Professionalism comes first, but there were still moments where we looked at each other and thought, ‘I can’t believe we’re here,’” she recalled.
Beyond her achievements, Williams is passionate about representation in aviation. She frequently encounters young women who are surprised to see someone like her in the field.
Motivated to inspire others, she and her sister have written a children’s book about aviation, encouraging young minds to dream big.
Juggling roles as a pilot, professor, and entrepreneur, Williams remains committed to mentoring and advocating for diversity in aviation. “When you love what you do, you don’t work a day in your life,” she said.
As she continues soaring to new heights, Zoey Williams is not only making history but also paving the way for future generations in the industry.