Virgin Atlantic First: Two Turbaned Sikh Pilots on One Flight

A First for Virgin Atlantic: Two Turbaned Sikh Pilots on the Same Flight

Virgin Atlantic has achieved a remarkable milestone in its 40-year history by having two turban-wearing Sikh pilots serve on the same flight for the very first time. Captain Jaspal Singh and First Officer Harinder Singh Chandan sitting side-by-side in the cockpit drew widespread attention due to the symbolic significance for both the aviation industry and the Sikh community.

Considering the prejudices that rose after 9/11, the presence of two devout Sikh pilots in the cockpit of a major British airline is regarded as an important step in representation.

Captain Singh previously received the Points of Light award for his humanitarian efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, while Chandan fulfilled his long-time dream of becoming a pilot and sharing this historic moment. The development received praise on social media, aligning with Virgin Atlantic’s “Be Yourself” policy.