World Pilots’ Day has been celebrated on April 26 for the last nine years. While pilots around the world are taking to socials today to share their stories and celebrate working for arguably one of the best industries in the world, few know the history behind the day.
Why we celebrate World Pilots’ Day on April 26
Fesa Evrensev of Istanbul, Turkey, graduated as a Cavalry Lieutenant from the Military Academy, later taking the exam to become a pilot in 1911. He was later sent to France for flight training.
Nearly 20 years after his first flight, Fesa was appointed General Manager of the State Airlines Administration, later evolving into what we know today as Turkish Airlines. He held many positions of prominence within the Turkish Aeronautical Association throughout his career, placing him as one of the most prominent figures in aviation.
In fact, Fesa made such a large impact in Turkey, that the Turkish Airlines Pilots’ Association established April 26 as Pilots Day. This date was selected to commemorate Fesa’s first flight back in 1912.
On a larger scale, the International Federation of Air Line Pilot’s Association (IFALPA) has been essential in establishing this day.
In 2013, the IFALPA looked for a way to celebrate the many pilots who hold that title, selecting the anniversary of Fesa’s flight as the date. The next year, World Pilots’ Day was celebrated for the first time.
World Pilots’ Day 2022
This year marks the ninth annual celebration of World Pilots’ Day. With the turbulence the industry has faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important this year than ever to celebrate the pilots of the past, present, and future.
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