From the charming city of Pokhara, Nepal, to the Air Canada cockpit, Kamana Subedi’s journey embodies a life devoted to aviation and driven by childhood aspirations. Her educational odyssey includes graduating from Glenforest High School in 2005 and earning a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Flight from Seneca College in 2009.
Kamana’s affinity for aviation traces back to her best childhood memory—a transformative flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu, where she was captivated by the open cockpit doors and envisioned herself as a pilot. Her career took flight as a flight instructor at Seneca College, followed by roles as a Second Officer at Cargojet Airlines and a First Officer at Sky Regional Airlines. In 2016, she realized a pivotal achievement by joining Air Canada.
Among her highest achievements is becoming the first female Captain at Sky Regional Airlines in 2015 and achieving the rank of Captain at Air Canada in 2017. Kamana’s success lies in her unwavering passion for aviation, transforming her childhood dream into a reality.
Navigating through the competitive landscape of Seneca College, Kamana faced challenges that demanded resilience and dedication. Despite the demanding nature of her career, balancing professional and family life remains a continuous challenge.
Her major contributions extend beyond the cockpit—mentoring young pilots through the Northern Lights Foundation and volunteering at SickKids Hospital in Toronto via Air Canada’s Wings of Courage program. Kamana’s dedication to her community and altruistic endeavors exemplify her commitment to making a positive impact beyond the aviation realm.
Amidst her busy schedule, Kamana cherishes every moment of operating an aircraft, embracing the fulfillment of a childhood dream. Her success mantra aligns with the wisdom of Confucius: ““Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.“” Outside the aviation world, Kamana finds solace in kayaking, hiking, tennis, and her passion for cooking.
Despite the physical distance, Kamana misses her motherland, Nepal, especially during festive seasons like Dashain and Tihar. Her message to the new generation echoes the importance of choosing a profession driven by passion, ensuring a fulfilling and purposeful journey. As Kamana continues to soar to new heights, her story inspires aspiring aviators and underscores the transformative power of pursuing one’s dreams.