AT COMMUTEAIR, WE HAVE GREAT PEOPLE WITH GREAT STORIES TO SHARE.
A Journey of Resilience, Mentorship, and Breaking Barriers in Aviation
In honor of Black History Month, we celebrate the incredible story of Captain Marcel Kimbrel. His journey in aviation is one of hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to giving back to the next generation of aviators.
Kimbrel has been with CommuteAir for two years and is currently a Captain on the ERJ145. Originally from Houston, Texas, he has always had a passion for aviation.
“Whether it was watching planes fly overhead or playing Microsoft Flight Simulator as a teenager, I was hooked,” says Kimbrel. “And with family in the aviation industry, the path to becoming a pilot felt natural.”
Before joining CommuteAir, Kimbrel spent 15 years as an International Purser/Flight Attendant for United Airlines, traveling the world and gaining a diverse perspective on different cultures. That experience inspired him to transition into the cockpit and pursue his dream of flying.
When he was ready to make that jump, he knew he wanted to find a regional carrier that not only offered great flying opportunities but also a strong sense of community and support. He met CommuteAir’s leadership team at a recruiting event and immediately felt right at home.
“They treated me like family from the start, and that support has continued throughout my time here,” Kimbrel shares.
Becoming a pilot isn’t easy, and Kimbrel has faced his share of challenges. He credits much of his growth to mentorship and the importance of working collaboratively with others.
“It takes time and patience, but having a supportive community around you makes all the difference,” he says. “Surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed and be open to learning from them. It’s made a huge difference in my career.”
As a mentor himself, Kimbrel is passionate about helping others, especially those from the Black community.
“I know my journey serves as hope for others who may not see people like themselves in aviation,” he says. “As part of the 4% of Black commercial pilots in the U.S., I am committed to honoring the trailblazers who paved the way, like Bessie Coleman, Captain Marlon Green, Captain William ‘Bill’ Norwood, Captain Theresa Claiborne, and many others. Their legacy fuels my passion to push through barriers and give back.”
In addition to flying, Kimbrel is heavily involved with the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) as the Director of Scholarship Programs, helping aspiring aviators with mentorship and financial support to pursue their dreams.
Captain Kimbrel shares his passion for flying the ERJ145, calling it the perfect first jet for anyone transitioning from general aviation to Part 121 flying. He enjoys hand-flying the aircraft, which keeps his skills sharp, and appreciates how comfortable the flight deck is, even as a tall pilot. Many of his mentors who now fly for United also started with the E145 and consider it one of the most fun and versatile planes to fly. He also values CommuteAir’s supportive training environment, where he’s always felt comfortable asking questions and receiving guidance from instructors.
“The training atmosphere is set up for success, and the support continues even after we leave the training center,” Kimbrel says.
When it comes to favorite destinations, Captain Kimbrel loves flying into Corpus Christi (CRP) and Gulfport (GPT), especially in spring and summer, for their relaxing beach vibes. Albany also ranks high on his list, with its beautiful park, “The Crossings of Colonie,” perfect for nature lovers like him.
Looking ahead, Kimbrel plans to return to United Airlines later this year as a First Officer.
“My ultimate goal is to become a Captain on the 777 or 787 and contribute to special projects in Flight Operations,” he says.
Reflecting on his time at CommuteAir, Marcel highlights the strong #C5family culture.
“The family-like atmosphere was a huge selling point for me,” he explains. “It’s not just about being a pilot on the seniority list; it’s about being part of a community that genuinely cares. I’ve been able to build meaningful connections and feel supported throughout my journey.”