Captain Kearns

Anya Kearns always dreamed of traveling the world. Initially, she believed the best way to achieve this was by becoming a flight attendant. However, at 15, her perspective shifted when she was introduced to flying through Aviation Career Enrichment (ACE), a non-profit flight school dedicated to educating minority youth. Anya attended ACE on Saturday mornings throughout high school, gaining invaluable experience and graduating from both the program and Marietta High School in 2009. ACE also connected her with the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP), where she participated in their Summer 2007 ACE Academy. This immersive program gave Anya a behind-the-scenes look at Delta Air Lines’ Headquarters, Atlanta Harts-field International Airport, Dobbins Air Force Base, and Air Traffic Control facilities, and even included an introductory flight. This week-long experience ignited a new passion for aviation in Anya and set her on a path to becoming a pilot. In the following year, Anya was selected for the OBAP Atlanta Solo Flight Academy, an elite flight training camp where she gained the skills to fly an aircraft solo just after her 17th birthday. Recognized for her determination and passion, she received the Charlie Tutt Award for Outstanding Achievement. After completing the program, Anya returned the next summer as Assistant Director, eager to help others have the same transformative experience. Anya continued her aviation journey at Middle Georgia State University, where she pursued a double major in Air Traffic Control and Flight Management. She became the first African American female pilot to earn a Bachelor of Flight Management from the university. Her time there was marked by her exceptional ability to balance numerous responsibilities: she was a cheerleader, student ambassador, residential aid, and Vice Chair of the Student Government Association. Despite financial challenges, Anya was determined to complete her flight training. Her resourcefulness led her to explore various ways to fund her education, moving 12 times in less than two years to be in the right places at the right times. Through every obstacle, Anya’s resilience shone through, driven by the mantra to “try one more thing,” no matter how daunting the circumstances. Anya's career in aviation has been marked by many firsts. In her 20s, she became the first black female pilot at three different employers. At 24, she joined Endeavor Air, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, as a First Officer. Her leadership skills quickly became evident, leading to roles as a New Hire Pilot Mentor, Assistant Lead Pilot Mentor, and Field Pilot Recruiter. While 26, she had advanced to the role of Captain at Endeavor Air. When Anya began her aviation journey at 15, she dreamed of walking the halls of Delta Air Lines’ headquarters in a pilot uniform. In March 2020, that dream became a reality when she was invited for an interview and fitted for her Delta uniform. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic put her career on hold, and she faced the possibility of being furloughed. Undeterred, Anya sought new opportunities and accepted a position as a Captain with Ohana by Hawaiian in Hawaii, becoming the airline's first black female Captain. While awaiting her return to Delta, she embraced island life and continued her aviation career in paradise. Throughout her career, Anya has been a passionate advocate for increasing diversity in aerospace. She serves on the Board of Directors for ACE and has held leadership roles within the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) as the Southeast Regional Director and Programs Director. She also co-founded OBAP’s Explore Aerospace Program and is an active member and volunteer with Sisters of the Skies (SOS), Women in Aviation (WAI), and the Middle Georgia State University Alumni Association. Anya returned to Delta in October 2021 as a First Officer on the Boeing 757 and 767-300. By August 2022, she made history as the second Black female captain at Delta Air Lines and the youngest to ever hold the position at any major US airline, continuing her inspiring journey in aviation.