MEDIA ADVISORY – Girls Take Flight Returns to Toronto on October 17
Award-winning event inspires the next generation of aviation and aerospace professionals through hands-on STEM experiences
TORONTO, Oct. 15, 2026 /CNW/ — On Saturday, October 17, media are invited to attend Girls Take Flight at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This free, award-winning event brings together aviation and aerospace organizations from across Canada to inspire young people through hands-on experiences, career exploration and direct connections with industry professionals.
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WHAT: |
Open to all young people, Girls Take Flight is designed to encourage more young women to consider careers in aviation and aerospace, fields where women continue to be underrepresented. Through interactive exhibits, inspiring speakers, aircraft displays and educational activities, participants will have the opportunity to discover the many pathways available in the industry. |
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All activities, apart from exploration flights, are drop-in and open to all attendees. |
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• Exploration Flights: A limited number of introductory flights will be available for girls and young women aged 8 to 17, offering a memorable first experience in the cockpit and the opportunity to discover the joy of flying. Advance registration is required. |
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• Aircraft and Hangar Access: Get up close to a variety of aircraft and explore aviation facilities typically not open to the public. During the event, the hangars of Stolport, Porter Airlines and Ornge will be open for visitors to tour and explore. |
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• Inspiring Speaker Series: Hear firsthand from pilots, engineers, mechanics, air traffic professionals and other leaders in aviation and aerospace about their careers and experiences. A full list of speakers is available here. |
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• Career Exploration: Learn about educational pathways, training opportunities and the diverse careers that support Canada’s aviation and aerospace sectors. |
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• Interactive STEM Activities: Participate in flight simulations, engineering challenges and hands-on exhibits designed to showcase the science and technology behind flight. |
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• Industry Connections: Meet professionals from across the aviation and aerospace community and discover the organizations helping shape the future of the industry. |
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WHO: |
Warren Askew, Vice President, Airport, Toronto Port Authority |
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Leslie Page, Founder, Girls Take Flight |
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Representatives from partner organizations such as Nieuport Aviation and Stolport Corporation. |
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WHEN: |
Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
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*Media access/interviews can be provided in advance of the event on Friday, October 16. Please connect with media contact below. |
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WHERE: |
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, 2 Eireann Quay, Toronto, ON |
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PHOTO OP: |
Media are invited to tour Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport as part of Girls Take Flight, conduct interviews with participants and visitors and take photos and/or video. |
Satellite trucks/camera operators may take the ferry across to the island at no cost where parking is available. Please coordinate with media contact below.
Girls Take Flight at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is presented through a partnership between the Toronto Port Authority, Nieuport Aviation, Stolport, Porter Airlines and Ornge, with participation from NAV CANADA.
For more information, visit toronto.girlstakeflight.ca.
About Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is an award-winning gateway to Canada’s largest city, offering unmatched convenience just minutes from downtown Toronto. Serving passengers since 1939, the airport provides service to more than 20 cities across Canada and the U.S., with connections to more than 100 global destinations through its airline partners, and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility.
Renowned for its accessibility, stunning skyline views and 98% passenger satisfaction rating, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport supports critical regional services, including medical travel and medevac operations through Ornge. It is also a key economic driver, supporting more than 4,000 jobs (2,000 directly associated with its operations) and generating approximately $2 billion annually for the regional economy.
Committed to sustainability, the airport is a three-time recipient of the Airports Council International–North America’s Environmental Achievement Award and is certified under Level 2 Airport Carbon Accreditation.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is owned and operated by the Toronto Port Authority. Nieuport Aviation is the terminal partner and operates the airport’s complimentary shuttle service to and from downtown Toronto. Learn more at billybishopairport.com.
SOURCE Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
