Beverley Bass

Beverly Bass is a retired Boeing-777 captain for American Airlines. She is the first female captain of a commercial plane at American Airlines. She was hired by the airline in 1976, becoming just the third woman to join its pilot ranks. A decade later, in 1986, Bass made history when she was promoted to captain, breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. That same year, she led the first all-female crew in the history of commercial jet aviation on an American Airlines flight from Washington, D.C., to Dallas, Texas.

Together with fellow pilot Stephanie Wallach, Bass co-founded the International Society of Women Airline Pilots. Originally formed as a community for female aviators, the organization has evolved into a global network that offers mentorship and career support to aspiring women pilots.

Bass’s groundbreaking career drew further attention following the events of Sept. 11, 2001. While in flight during the terrorist attacks, she was forced to divert and land in the remote town of Gander, Newfoundland, after U.S. airspace was closed. She and her crew spent several days there before safely returning their passengers home.

Her story is featured in the hit Broadway musical “Come From Away,” which dramatizes the experiences of the passengers and crew who were stranded in Gander. Bass is also the author of “Me and the Sky,” an autobiographical picture book that encourages children to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.