A historic milestone was achieved at Hawaiian Airlines when a mother and daughter flew together in the cockpit for the first time in the airline’s 93-year history. On September 1, 2022, Captain Kamelia Zarka and her daughter, First Officer Maria Zarka, operated a Boeing 717 flight across the Hawaiian Islands, marking a rare achievement in global aviation.
The flight also stood out as only the third known instance of a mother-daughter pilot team operating together at a major commercial airline worldwide. The moment reflected years of dedication and passion, particularly for Captain Kamelia, whose journey into aviation began after working as a flight attendant.
Originally from Kingdom of Tonga, Kamelia joined Hawaiian Airlines in 1992. A chance opportunity to sit in the cockpit during a flight inspired her to pursue flying. Years later, she became the first Tongan woman to captain a commercial airliner, setting a powerful example in the aviation industry.
Her daughter Maria followed in her footsteps, building her career as a commercial pilot before joining Hawaiian Airlines in 2022. Their shared flight marked the realization of a long-held dream, with Captain Kamelia describing the experience as deeply meaningful and inspiring.
The Zarka family’s aviation legacy continues to grow, with Kamelia’s younger daughter currently studying aeronautical science and aiming to join the profession. Their story highlights the importance of representation and determination in shaping the future of aviation.
