An all-Black female crew has made history at American Airlines. Flying to Phoenix from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, the group became the first all-Black female crew to operate a flight. The women took charge of every operation of the flight, serving as pilots and flight attendants, as well as cargo team members, aviation maintenance technicians and several other pivotal roles. 

The historic moment was dedicated to Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman to receive a pilot’s license in 1921. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Coleman’s milestone, American Airlines said the trailblazer “bravely broke down barriers within the world of aviation and paved the path for many to follow.”

“Black women have been notably underrepresented in the aviation industry, especially as pilots, representing less than 1% in the commercial airline industry,” the company said in a statement to Blavity. “Which is why airline is being intentional in its efforts to diversify the flight deck and increase representation across all parts of the business.”

As part of the celebration, American Airlines hosted Gigi Coleman, Bessie’s great-niece, on its flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Phoenix.

“I think she would’ve been really amazed and in awe. I was in awe, and this is 2022,” Gigi told CBS News.

In honor of her great-aunt, Gigi is now running the Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Stars Foundation. The after-school program aims to uplift Black children who dream of entering the aviation industry.

Bessie was forced to learn to fly in France because she didn’t have the option in the U.S. After making her name as a renowned stunt pilot, Bessie died in a plane crash in 1926.

“My great-aunt received her license two years before Amelia Earhart,” Gigi said. “She wasn’t in the history books. No one knew about her.”

According to Sisters of the Skies, an organization of Black women airline pilots,  there are fewer than 150 Black women airline pilots in the U.S. Beth Powell and Charlene Shortte, two of the 150 Black female pilots, led the historic American Airlines flight.

“I’ve never had an all-Black female flight crew in my entire career,” Powell told CBS News. “Representation is so important today, because when you see someone in yourself, you know it’s possible. ‘I can do this, too.'”

The all-Black female crew also included flight attendants Cheryl Gaymon, Mary Roberson, Vanessa Bennett and Breana James. Sharron Brooks and Nicole White served as crew chiefs. At least 16 other women were part of the trailblazing group.