History was made on 9 November 2024 with two Barbadians at the helm of the inaugural AA flight from Philadelphia. American Airlines flight AA549 from Philadelphia to Bridgetown, Barbados was operated by Captain Dillon Jackson and First Officer Akiel Alleyne.
Several dignitaries including the Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill met the flight on arrival. In his speech to celebrate the arrival, Mr. Gooding-Edghill welcomed the crew and passengers and the expansion of American Airlines’ service to Barbados. Additionally, he sees this as a “catalyst for fostering stronger linkages between the United States and Barbados.”
In addition, the minister expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the making the new service happen. Special thanks were given to the American Airlines corporate team in the USA, General Manager for AA Barbados, Jennifer Carter, and her team, the staff at the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), particularly BTMI’s Director for the USA, Peter Mayers, and Eusi Skeete, head of BTMI’s Canada division.
Captain and First Officer
Pilots Captain Dillon Jackson and First Officer Akiel Alleyne flew together for the first time on this flight. Both young men acknowledged that their aviation roots were planted at the Barbados Light Aeroplane Club.
Captain Jackson, who at age 27 is the second youngest captain at American Airlines, said that piloting the inaugural flight on a Boeing 737 is a career highlight for him. First Officer Alleyne, who is 31, also echoed his captain’s sentiments, calling the experience “a dream come true.”
The minister called the two young pilots true ambassadors to Barbados, who proudly represent the island. He also said this was additional cause for celebration in November, because it is Barbados’ month of independence.
Image: The Barbados Government Information Service (BGIS)
