A day to celebrate pilots 

As with a great number of professionals across other industries, there is also a day dedicated to celebrating the importance of pilots.  One day a year is set aside to recognise the many contributions pilots have made in safely transporting millions of people around the globe.

The role of pilots, including commercial pilots, flight instructors, private flight crew, fighter jet pilots and recreational pilots, is recognised across the globe during International Pilots’ Day.

World Pilots’ Day, which is celebrated each year on April 26, traces its origins back to 1912 when a young Turkish pilot named Fesa Evrensev took to the skies for the first time. According to Turkish sources, Evrensev flew missions during the 1912-1913 First Balkan War when the combined armies of Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece, and Montenegro took back 82 percent of their occupied lands from the Ottoman Turks. Twenty years later, in 1933, Evrensev became the first president of the Turkish national flag carrier Turkish Airlines.

In 2013, prompted by the Turkish Airlines Pilots Association, the International Federation of Air Line Pilots Associations (IFALPA) concluded it was high time that a day was set aside to celebrate pilots. Because Turkish pilots initiated this idea, the anniversary of Fesa Evrensev’s first flight was chosen. 

The idea to create IFALPA occurred during a 1948 meeting of various airline pilot associations. This initiative is the result of the reasoning that to get different organisations to work coherently, an international body was needed to look after all their interests, especially when communicating with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which is a United Nations agency that promotes the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation. Since its founding 74 years ago, the IFALPA has grown from its 13 founding members to over 104 pilot associations and represents more than 100,000 pilots worldwide.

World Pilots’ Day is a great opportunity to recognise the dedication and hard work of pilots worldwide. It highlights the crucial role pilots play in ensuring safe and efficient air travel. Acknowledging pilots’ expertise and dedication can lead to better flight operations, reducing delays and enhancing overall customer satisfaction. Stories of pilots’ journeys and experiences can inspire travellers to explore new destinations. 

Airlines and aviation organisations often use this day to celebrate pilots, sometimes offering special events or promotions. When airlines prioritise pilot training, safety, and well-being, customers may feel more confident in the airline’s ability to deliver a safe and enjoyable journey. 

Pilots’ professionalism and commitment to safety directly impact passenger well-being, contributing to a positive travel experience. Travellers gain a deeper understanding of the challenges pilots face, fostering respect for their expertise through the celebration of pilots.

Airports and airlines can leverage World Pilots’ Day to raise awareness about the importance of pilot training and safety protocols; celebrate the achievements and dedication of pilots to their profession. Through observing such a day they can share stories about pilots’ experiences and the importance of their role in ensuring safe and enjoyable air travel.

So, as pilots take to the skies once again following the challenging time because of the pandemic, it is more important than ever to celebrate the hard work, dedication and resilience of pilots around the world. 

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