Tui operated two flights on Thursday (October 3) crewed entirely by black and mixed heritage colleagues as part of the group’s Black History Month celebrations.
The aircraft flew from Manchester to Boa Vista, Cape Verde, and Gatwick to Jamaica, with passengers at check-in being entertained by traditional steel bands.
The flights aimed to showcase the contribution of the black and mixed heritage communities in the travel industry and to highlight Tui’s Caribbean and African employee Network’s (Tui Can) mantra: “You can’t be what you can’t see.”
Miranda Simms, Tui’s wellbeing and inclusion lead and co-founder of Tui Can, said: “We are committed to making sure that every person – whether they’re flying with us or working with us – feels represented and included.
“These flights are a powerful statement to show people outside the company that there are individuals here who look like them, who have shared their experiences, and who are excelling in their careers.
“It’s important for us to show this, because representation matters, and it inspires the next generation to see themselves in these roles and know it’s possible. It’s one of the reasons we flipped the narrative of how we celebrate Black History Month.
“We wanted it to be a positive celebration about how we create our own history every day, so we came up with the concept of ‘Making Black History at Tui’.”
Second officer Louis Farrell (pictured right in cockpit) said: “I started out in the military but was wounded in action, cutting my career short.
“I was connected with Tui through the charity Wings for Warriors, who introduce injured ex-service personnel to airlines.
“No matter your background or skin colour, there’s a place for you in any role you aspire to. Let this flight be a reminder that you belong, and that your future is yours to create.”
Cabin manager Sandra Russel (pictured right with colleagues at Manchester) commented: “As second-generation Jamaican, this flight holds a lot of meaning for me. I faced challenges growing up.
“It’s true, if you don’t see yourself represented, it can impact the way you view things.
“Then when I reached my 50s I thought go for it; it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. My first flight was on my 59th birthday.
“I hope my story inspired others, especially young people of colour to believe that no matter your age or background, your dreams are always within reach.”
These flights are part of a wider celebration across the business during Black History Month in October.
Across Tui’s retail and contact centre estates, there will be Caribbean and African-inspired lunch and learn sessions and there will be Caribbean and African-inspired menus in the head office canteen.
