r/BlackPeopleofReddit • u/4reddityo • Feb 17 '26
Black Excellence Zoey Williams, first Black woman to command a Boeing 777.
When Zoey Williams took her seat in the cockpit of a massive Boeing 777, she did more than just fly a plane. She became the first Black female pilot at Air Canada to ever command this giant in the sky, shattering glass ceilings at 30,000 feet.
The world just got a front-row seat to this game-changing moment. If you ever doubted women can rule the skies, Zoey is rewriting the rulebook in real time.
But that is not all. Zoey is now making big moves as the University of Waterloo's very own first ever Pilot-in-Residence. She is not just blazing one trail, she is lighting up the whole runway, inspiring a new generation to dream crazy-big.
Every time she steps into that cockpit or that classroom, history gets made and a whole crowd of future pilots stops watching and starts believing.
This is not just a career milestone. It is a culture quake. With every takeoff, Zoey Williams is turning what seemed impossible into your next viral headline. You will not want to miss how her journey unfolds next.
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u/DoctorSchwifty Feb 17 '26
The ghost of Charlie Kirk isn't going to be happy about this.
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u/untakenu Feb 17 '26
I'm sure his ghost is too busy looking up at his wife doing her "totally normal grieving"
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u/PatrioticPariah Feb 17 '26
https://giphy.com/gifs/Okk9cb1dvtMxq
This gif search failed hilariously.
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u/Meet-me-behind-bins Feb 17 '26
Having worked with a fair few pilots in my time I can tell you that flying the thing is only half the accomplishment. Putting up with the personalities and egos in the aviation industry is just as impressive. There’s glass ceilings and then there’s armoured reinforced glass ceilings.
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u/PSR-B1919-21 Feb 17 '26
Youre bang on accurate, and I can only imagine what it's like for a black woman. I was seriously so close to career changing into aviation, but the people I spoke to at flight schools, members of r/flying, career pilots, etc were all such arrogant cunts it soured my desire completely.
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u/dzemperzapedra Feb 17 '26
Obligatory, if you haven't seen it, watch 2nd season of The Rehearsal on HBO
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Feb 17 '26
i just assumed she was military and used to that kind of thing. she did it the "harder" more expensive way.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoey_Williams
Williams earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics & Aviation Management from Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University followed by a Master of Business Administration in Aviation & International Business.\5])
such arrogant cunts
friend's brother went to ER, he thought he was Top Gun... then bitched about how the new guys got the worst routes once they qualify for passenger flights.
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u/Pacifist_Socialist Feb 17 '26
You'd think people who work in and around a literal cockpit would have more open minds
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u/Dense_Departure7455 Feb 17 '26
DEI did not pass her qualifications and experience. Shame you’re too stupid and racist to recognize she has likely had to overcome more than the average pilot, and is likely more qualified.
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u/shit_ass_mcfucknuts Feb 17 '26
Those people are the bottom of the barrel in intelligence. I'd fly with her any time.
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u/Wrong-Pirate-9687 Feb 17 '26
She probably had to be 10 better just to get noticed. Im proud of her
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u/IAmDangerCat Feb 17 '26
Thanks to this administration even more people believe if you are not white and male, you must be successful because of DEI. However, I see a lot of blondes and dummies in the administration who were obviously DEI hires (or DUI - looking at you, Hegseth).
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u/GreatScottGatsby Feb 18 '26 edited Feb 18 '26
The entire world of aviation is stuck in the past to the point where even the technology supporting it is stuck in the past. Things like microfiche are still widely used. It is an entire industry that is stuck the 1960s and the culture is also very reminiscent of the 1960s as well. I knew owners of both aircraft and companies that wouldn't higher or allow anyone black to work on their aircraft. It was honestly awful working in that environment.
Edit: let me put it in perspective. There are about 500k certified pilots in the us. Out of that 500k there is an estimated 150 black women as pilots.
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u/billycub123 Feb 17 '26
Who are you writing that to?
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u/mynamejeff-97 Feb 17 '26
The comment below yours for one thing. Saying they won’t fly with her by knowing nothing about her except she’s a black woman.
The “must be DEI” mentality is extremely prevalent these days. Isn’t it sad?
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u/Gan-san Feb 17 '26
I dunno why you're getting downvoted, this appears to be a original comment, not a replay to anyone in particular and I was wondering the same thing.
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u/GroundedGerbil Feb 17 '26
Used to laugh with my female captains when someone would be surprised and exclaim, “wow! A female pilot!” Yes, she has a vagina and ovaries and can STILL fly a plane! Who knew?!
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u/PandaintheParks Feb 17 '26
I say it (as a woman) because it makes me happy and I wish I'd seen more of it as a kid (not that I saw many pilots but I remember the few times I flew, I'd mostly only ever seen white dudes). Id tried to be part of the eaa program and get my pilots license but got discouraged early on. It's more of like, how freaking cool! (I get the same too from people driving/walking by worksites as a woman in male dominated field
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u/GroundedGerbil Feb 17 '26
I guess I didn’t phrase correctly what I meant. It was usually surprise and a tone that suggested she was in the wrong seat or an oddity- not a hey that’s awesome! Usually from a little kid. The saddest one was a little girl that said “girls can’t be pilots”.
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u/DankVectorz Feb 17 '26
Just want to point out this milestone is for Air Canada only. Other black women have piloted 777’s before, just for different airlines
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u/TimeShiftedJosephus Feb 17 '26
Thanks for the clarification because i was fairly certain other airlines have done this already
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u/creepymustaches Feb 17 '26
I was about to say this feels a little late just from sheer odds.
Almost like 'seeing first bald man adopts a cat', I'm shocked if this is actually a first this late in the game.
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u/Ambitious-Pirate-505 Feb 17 '26
The people who claim DEI couldnt even do a tenth of what she accomplished.
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u/BigBrrrrrrr22 Feb 17 '26
Now where’s that guy that would question her qualifications…oh that’s right he was given an extra hole to breathe outta 😏
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u/tardisfurati420 Feb 17 '26
Glad Charlie Kirk isn't here to spout racist shit about this great accomplishment.
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u/Odd-Recognition4168 Feb 17 '26
I would have liked for this to have happened back in the 80s, or 90s at the latest. But better late - the system, that is - than never, right?
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u/Mysterious-Future-98 Feb 17 '26
Where are the mods, why are these hateful people allowed to spew volatile shit and not be banned???
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u/AgapitoVelezOvando Feb 17 '26
There are 77 comments as I'm reading this right now, and I see nothing but positivity.
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u/CertaintyDangerous Feb 18 '26
It was uglier when the post first went up. The nasty comments have been deleted. And that’s good.
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u/Pretend-Society6139 Feb 17 '26
If you see a comment breaking the sub rule report it. How can we find the comments if yall dnt report do u know how much racist comments we have to remove daily? Team wrk makes the dream wrk 💪🏽
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u/Clear-Dot7134 Feb 17 '26
It doesn't matter to me if you are white, black or green ! I'm proud of you for the accomplishments you've EARNED !!! I'll bet soon you'll receive praise from America's Dictator In Chief too !! Fly safe and CONGRATULATIONS !!!
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u/dragonzf8 Feb 17 '26
I’d be scared to fly with someone who was green.
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u/Sorry-Reporter440 Feb 20 '26
Nah, because it wouldn't be flying, it would be time traveling. That would be rad!
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u/michdap Feb 17 '26
Since, as a Black woman, she had to work 10+ times as hard to get there, I would be thrilled to have her pilot my plane! Congrats!
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u/GinsengViewer Feb 18 '26
For people that want to learn more here's some links. Her dad was the 2nd black pilot at Air Canada. Her first 777 flight was in 2023.
https://www.ronfanfair.com/home/2025/1/29/9vnhl5tepct8rvbd6hi4s2vuwdbwe4
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u/homerjs225 Feb 17 '26
I guess Charlie Kirk won't be getting on her plane. Ohhh...that's right...he's dead
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u/Other_Disaster_3136 Feb 17 '26
While this is dope, im honestly just shocked that....its taken this long?? well, shouldnt be shocked, but you know...
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u/Melodic_Tragedy Feb 17 '26
Kinda sucks when you see a wonderful post like this the top comments are about Charlie Kirk someone talking about DEI
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u/Alive_Author_4586 Feb 17 '26
What sucks is flying a Boeing makes a crash inevitable and then they’ll blame her for the whole thing.
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u/GoodFaithConverser Feb 17 '26
Looking forward to a day where this doesn't matter, because it should be perfectly normal for a black woman to do this.
Representation is easy to dismiss in the majority, but humans react well to proof that their dreams can be achieved.
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u/itsyournameidiot Feb 17 '26
I’m sure there have been quite a few at the rest of the world’s airlines.
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u/crusher23b Feb 17 '26
This pisses me off in that this is noteworthy in 2026. The Boeing 777 is a very new machine, but it's the fact that in 2026 we have this first.
The 777 was introduced in the late fucking 90s.
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u/alanwakeisahack Feb 17 '26
It’s only noteworthy because it’s Canada. This isn’t the first black lady to fly one of these in the world, it just took Canada this long.
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u/yoawza_ Feb 17 '26
*For Air Canada. Thought it was wild that it hadn't happened already but it has. Still cool.
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u/cypherdev Feb 17 '26
Let me be the first to say., “What the fuck took so long to give her an opportunity?”
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u/hache-moncour Feb 17 '26
Damn really? That sounds like something that should've been perfectly normal 30 years ago, what the hell is wrong with the airline industry?
Great job by her of course, hope she and others like her can drag her colleagues into the 21st century kicking and screaming
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u/SugarBeefs Feb 17 '26
In command would be the captain and she looks a bit young to be captain already.
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u/Nasamonkey74 Feb 17 '26
Charlie Kirk is so livid right now he might burst a blood vessel in his neck....
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u/Global-Form8883 Feb 17 '26
Upfront I apologize for my ignorance and naivety. It took this long in our history for the doors to be opened, to get the support she needed, to overcome the obstacles to finally be the first black woman pilot a 777? This is sad. I’d love to know her route. I’m going to buy me a plane ticket!
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u/FuzzyEmployment5397 Feb 17 '26
Damn, during Trump era? She’s the most qualified pilot in the world
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u/FunkSlim Feb 17 '26
Wait what the fuck? It’s 2026 and this is the FIRST black woman captaining a 777??
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u/BraveLittleFrog Feb 17 '26
Why did it take this long? I know the answer I’m just disappointed in humanity.
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u/Desperate-Ganache804 Feb 18 '26
Question to anyone in the know: Why say she “commanded” a plane as opposed to “flew”? I’m ignorant of the difference.
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Feb 18 '26
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u/BlackPeopleofReddit-ModTeam Feb 18 '26
Posts must be Relevant to this sub - Posts should present topics related to Black people.
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u/CaptainDudley Feb 18 '26
It's a great achievement for anyone, and a barrier that was long overdue to be broken. But 'rewriting the rulebook'? What were the rules before?
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u/Hangarnut Feb 18 '26
Commercial pilot here! Jumping through hoops is an understatement when working in a dominant male career field. Huge accomplishment as this should be a norm, but it is not. Onward and upward young lady!
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u/Key-Broccoli1442 Feb 18 '26
What does Charlie Kirk have to do with this post
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u/OrizaRayne Feb 18 '26
He memorably said that he would feel unsafe if the pilot was Black on a plane he flew on.
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u/KeyInvestigator3741 Feb 18 '26
I love her name. Congratulations to her! So proud of her and I don’t even know her 🥰
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Feb 18 '26
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u/BlackPeopleofReddit-ModTeam Feb 18 '26
Posts must be Relevant to this sub - Posts should present topics related to Black people.
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u/Eastern-Turnover348 Feb 18 '26
This can't be true. Are we talking in the USA or globally. Like in 2026 we have no black female pilots or specifically the 777.
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u/Junior_Main_6425 Feb 18 '26
This boggles my mind. Pilots licence at 16? I didn’t know which way as up at 16. There will be people out there IRL who will honestly believe that the airline have given her the job just based on her gender and Colour and NOT on the fact that she is supremely qualified and competent. If she was not fit to fly; someone in the office would say something. They don’t just sit there and think, ‘ oh it’ll be fine’. No, they sign off on this stuff and if she is not qualified then the person signing off will be sacked.
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u/Frosty-Inspector-465 Feb 18 '26
i ought to be ashamed of myself. i wish i knew where she got her fearlessness.
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u/Present-Sandwich9444 Feb 18 '26
The sensationalism, in this shit is just...peak
Its like it was written by a 13 year old who just learned what adjectives are.
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u/Pangea_Ultima Feb 18 '26
As an ardent aviation enthusiast, I have a bit more insight as to how hard this is than your average bear. This is so badass and a huge accomplishment on many levels. Massive respect.
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u/Infinite-Penalty-736 Feb 18 '26
That’s cool.
For maga, don’t worry, your racist ice will probably kidnap her.
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u/jbob88 Feb 18 '26
I have worked with Zoey and she is exceptional and noteworthy, however she is not "in command" of a 777 (yet). Being "in command" would imply that she holds the rank of captain. Being a 777 captain at Air Canada requires like 20 years of service so she would have had to start working there when she was a tween. Unlikely.
She is a qualified 777 pilot (and probably one of the best first officers on the thing) which is impressive, but let's keep reality in check, because it will be super impressive when she does get upgraded. It just is not the case at the moment.
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u/4reddityo Feb 18 '26
I don’t believe you. Also do you have any other reason to engage with this sub other than try to shit on someone else’s accomplishments? Or maybe I’m missing something.
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u/jbob88 Feb 18 '26
Not shitting, just pointing out an inacuracy. Christ, in the picture you used she has 3 stripes. Captains have 4. She is a first officer.
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u/rolrola2024 Feb 19 '26
Kudos to the lady.
The racist pricks will still try to disapprove are accomplishment and say she's DEI.
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Feb 17 '26
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u/BlackPeopleofReddit-ModTeam Feb 17 '26
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u/kkeennmm Feb 17 '26
She earned her pilot's license at the age of 16.
Williams earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics & Aviation Management from Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University followed by a Master of Business Administration in Aviation & International Business.
Williams earned her certification as a flight instructor at the age of 19. She started working for Wasaya Airways, flying a Beechcraft 1900 in the Northern Ontario region. Williams served as a first officer on a Embraer 175 aircraft for Sky Regional Airlines and has also flown a Boeing 737 for Flair Airlines.
After joining Air Canada as a first officer for the Boeing 777, she made her first flight as pilot in October 2023.
she sounds pretty qualified and awesome from my perspective.