SAS “Breaking Glass” Film Is Outstanding: The Story Of Turi Widerøe

Scandinavian Airlines, better known as SAS, has released a heartwarming film based on the true story of Turi Widerøe, the first female commercial airline pilot.

“Breaking Glass” – A New SAS Film On The Life Of Turi Widerøe

In 1969, SAS made history by becoming the first major commercial airline to hire a female pilot when it hired Turi Widerøe. Widerøe grew up in Norway and if the name sounds familiar, her father was Viggo Widerøe, who founded Widerøe, a Norwegian airline still in operation today.

Yes, Turi had a headstart with a father like Viggo, but entering a profession dominated by males was no easy feat.

This film came out in December 2024 and I watched it the day it came out, planning to write about it, but it somehow slipped my mind.

It brings a tear to my eye, every time I watch it. I’m so impressed by any young person who knows what they want and pursues it. It took me a long time to find my niche (perhaps I’m still finding it) and while I am thankful for my journey, I sincerely hope my daughter can find something that she can latch onto early and work toward it from a young age. Ideally, university is not simply a time to explore what you want to do, but to take concrete steps toward making your dream a reality. For better or for worse, money makes this world go around and life is too short to spend changing career paths over and over. The person who finds their passion early and sticks to it is very blessed.

The film reminded me a bit of a similar-themed, though generic, film that KLM Royal Dutch Airlines produced for its 100th birthday:

Held to the same high standard and arguably with more scrutiny than men, I salute female aviators and particularly Turi Widerøe, who made history in 1969 and continues to be an icon of inspiration today.

image: SAS