Turi Widerøe

Turi Widerøe, a Norwegian aviator, made history in 1969 as the world’s first female commercial airline pilot for a major airline.

Widerøe obtained her private pilot’s license in 1962 and her commercial license in 1965. In 1968, she joined SAS and trained at the airline’s flight academy. Upon graduating, she became certified as a co-pilot on the Convair 440 Metropolitan, breaking new ground in aviation.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport’s connection to Norway is deepened given that during the Second World War, Toronto became a training ground and second home to Norwegian soldiers. This history is honoured just outside the mainland pavilion of the airport at Little Norway Park. We include Turi Widerøe in homage to our Norwegian neighbours and to the Royal Norwegian Air Force.