First Recipients of the Captain Christina Thomson ALPA Scholarship Announced
TORONTO, Ont.—Today, the two recipients of the Captain Christina Thomson ALPA Scholarship were announced. In recognition of their leadership accomplishments, Afrah Khan and Elitza Nikolova will each receive $5,000 towards their aviation flight training. Afrah is in her last year at the Alberta College of Aeronautics, working towards obtaining her Commercial Pilot’s Licence and Multi-IFR rating. Elitza is entering her fourth year of Geography and Aviation at the University of Waterloo and recently completed her flight training and instructor rating.
The scholarship, offered for the very first time in 2025, honours the legacy of longtime ALPA volunteer Captain Christina Thomson, who tragically lost her life in December 2023. Following her death, a campaign was launched by her family in collaboration with the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) to create a scholarship that supports and empowers women leaders who are pursuing a career in aviation.
“Christina was not only a trailblazer in her professional career, but also a dear and close friend,” said Captain Tim Perry, ALPA Canada president. “It is with deep humility that I am part of awarding this scholarship to these outstanding future female aviators who embody the passion, spirit, and fierce determination that characterized the courageous and charismatic personality that was Christina. I know this scholarship will honour her legacy and memory for years to come.”
Captain Thomson played an integral role in helping her pilot group secure representation with the Association in 2017. She served as the WestJet Master Executive Council’s (MEC) first secretary-treasurer and later transitioned to the MEC’s Strategic Preparedness and Strike Committee, where she served as chair for the most recent round of contract negotiations. Prior to WestJet, Christina flew for Sunwest Aviation, Perimeter Aviation, and Jazz Aviation.
“The dedication that Captain Thomson demonstrated as an ALPA volunteer was a model to all of us and will have a lasting impact on our union and profession,” said ALPA president Captain Jason Ambrosi. “If there was an opportunity to support our members, Captain Thomson would be on the front lines. She upheld our integrity and unity while representing the values of the pilot profession.”
Both recipients will formally receive their awards on Saturday, October 4, at the Northern Lights Aero Foundation Gala in Brampton, Ont. The scholarships will be paid directly to their flight schools to assist the recipients in continuing with their aviation studies.
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 80,000 pilots at 43 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on X @ALPAPilots.
CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org.
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