On This Page, You Will Find:
- An overview of Nour Utayim’s journey from Syria to Quebec
- How Canada’s immigration system opened doors to aviation dreams
- Daily life and challenges of an emergency medevac pilot
- The impact of newcomer talent on remote northern communities
- Tips for immigrants pursuing aviation careers in Canada
A Childhood Dream Grounded by War
Growing up in Syria, Nour Utayim imagined following the family tradition of flying. Conflict dashed those early hopes, and she pivoted toward engineering. Yet the urge to fly never disappeared.
A New Start in Canada
Canada offered safety and opportunity. Arriving as a Syrian refugee in 2017, she settled in Saint-Bruno, a suburb of Montréal. A nearby flight school reignited her dream, and by 2019 – just two years after landing – she held both a commercial pilot licence and an instructor rating.
Rising Through the Ranks
In late 2021, Nour joined Air Inuit as a first officer. The airline serves Nunavik and parts of Nunavut and southern Quebec, transporting passengers, freight and medical supplies. Early assignments included flying cargo into isolated Arctic runways, sharpening her skills in challenging conditions.
Answering Midnight Calls for Help
Before long, she was at the controls of King Air 350 aircraft configured for air ambulance work. Medevac missions often begin in the small hours, racing critically ill patients through snowstorms and cross-winds to Montréal’s major hospitals. “When we hand the patient to the waiting ambulance,” she says, “it feels like mission accomplished – a humanitarian mission.”
Promotion to Captain
Earlier in 2025, Nour became captain on the King Air. She now leads crews through blizzards, polar night and high winds, proving that determination – and Canada’s support for newcomers – can break barriers. Worldwide, only about 5 percent of commercial pilots are women, and female captains are rarer still.
Giving Back to Remote Communities
For Nunavik’s 14,000 residents, reliable air service is a lifeline. Medevac flights, fresh food deliveries and essential cargo keep the region functioning. “It really feels like we’re helping to make a difference,” Nour says. Her trilingual fluency in French, English and Arabic helps her connect with colleagues and passengers alike.
Lessons for Aspiring Immigrant Pilots
Canada’s aviation sector faces a pilot shortage, and flight schools actively recruit newcomers with strong language skills and academic backgrounds. Prospective pilots should:
- Improve English and French to at least ICAO Level 4 proficiency.
- Research flight training loans and provincial support programs.
- Log as many civilian or simulator hours as possible before job hunting.
- Network with regional carriers that service remote areas, where demand is high.
FAQ
How did Nour Utayim first become interested in flying?
Nour grew up in a family of aviators – both her father and grandfather were pilots in Syria. Their stories inspired her childhood dream of flying, a dream she temporarily set aside when war disrupted her life but reignited once she arrived in Canada.
What immigration pathway brought Nour to Canada?
She arrived in 2017 under Canada’s refugee resettlement program for Syrians. The initiative provided permanent residence, language-training support and community sponsorship that eased her transition into Quebec life and allowed her to pursue professional goals quickly.
Why are medevac flights critical in Nunavik?
Nunavik’s 14,000 residents live in fly-in communities with limited health services. When serious emergencies arise, patients must be transported hundreds of kilometres to larger hospitals. Medevac aircraft like Air Inuit’s King Air 350 bridge that gap, saving lives year-round.
What challenges do pilots face on Arctic routes?
Pilots contend with extreme cold, high winds, ice fog and limited navigation aids. Short gravel runways demand precision, while blizzards and polar night reduce visibility. These factors make Arctic flying an advanced test of a pilot’s skill and judgment.
How can other newcomers pursue aviation careers in Canada?
Start by validating foreign education, achieving strong English or French proficiency and enrolling in a Transport Canada-approved flight school. Scholarships and newcomer loans can offset costs. Networking with regional carriers and accumulating instructor hours accelerate entry into commercial roles.
