American Airlines hosted the Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Stars tour to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Black woman to earn a pilot’s license in 1921.
She bravely broke down barriers within the world of aviation and paved the path for many to follow.
To honor her legacy, American hosted Gigi Coleman, Bessie’s great niece, on a flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Phoenix.
The flight was operated by an all-Black Female crew — from the pilots and Flight Attendants to the Cargo team members and the aviation maintenance technician.
American is being intentional in its efforts to diversify the flight deck. Black women have been notably underrepresented in the aviation industry, especially as pilots, representing less than 1% in the commercial airline industry. Through the American Airlines Cadet Academy, the airline is committed to expanding awareness of and increasing accessibility to the pilot career within diverse communities.
The historic flight crew
Beth Powell
Pilot, Captain 737
Charlene Shortte
Pilot, First Officer 737
Cheryl Gaymon
Flight Attendant
Mary Roberson
Flight Attendant
Vanessa Bennett
Flight Attendant
Breana James
Flight Attendant
Sharron Brooks
Crew Chief
Nicole White
Crew Chief
Maya Matthews
Fleet Service Agent
Natasha Williams
Fleet Service Agent
Alisha Bates
Fleet Service Agent
Patricia Milfort
MOD, Customer Operations
Arlene Law
Customer Service Coordinator
Lynette Daniels Moody
Customer Service Coordinator
Lillie Hayes
Customer Service Coordinator
Kacy Stevenson
Customer Service Coordinator
Tracy Brown
Customer Service Agent
Muju Abdul-Qadir
IAM Control Center Coordinator
Pamela Calton
TWU Aviation Maintenance Technician
Audrey Van Hook
TWU Crew Chief Ramp
Crystal Tochi McDaniel
Duty Manager, Cargo Services
Sandra Butler
TWU Crew Chief Ramp
Jessika Mejia
Premium Customer Services Rep
Veronda Butler
Sr. Manager, Premium Guest Services Operations
