Two Barbadians Pilot Inaugural AA Flight From Philadelphia
Barbados celebrated another historic tourism milestone on Saturday, November 9, with the arrival of American Airlines (AA) nonstop Flight AA 549 from Philadelphia, piloted by Barbadians Captain Dillon Jackson and First Officer Akiel Alleyne.
Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, welcomed the crew and passengers, emphasising that the expansion of AA’s services to the island is “undoubtedly a catalyst for fostering stronger linkages between the United States and Barbados.”
“Today’s inaugural flight holds even more significance as two of our own, Captain Dillon Jackson and First Officer Akiel Alleyne, were at the helm, guiding you safely home to beautiful Barbados. I want to extend a special thanks to both of them personally. What better testament to the enduring cooperation between Barbados and American Airlines? We are honoured to have them here today as true ambassadors of Barbados, proudly representing our country as they fly with American Airlines,” said Minister Gooding-Edghill.
He continued, “This is surely cause for celebration, especially during our month of independence, as we welcome them and their family members back to their homeland, Barbados.”
The Minister also expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the new service possible, including the American Airlines corporate team in the USA, General Manager for AA, Jennifer Carter, and her team in Barbados, as well as the staff at the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), particularly BTMI’s Director for the USA, Peter Mayers, and former USA Director, Eusi Skeete, now head of BTMI’s Canada division.
Captain Dillon Jackson and First Officer Akiel Alleyne reflected on the significance of the moment, both for their personal careers and for Barbados.
Twenty-seven-year-old Jackson, the second youngest captain at American Airlines, shared: “My career started just on the south end of this field at the Barbados Light Aeroplane Club about 20 years ago. So, when I first showed up to work and saw Akiel—because it’s our first time flying together—it was really memorable. I left Barbados in 2014 with a dream, and today I made that dream a reality, piloting the Boeing 737 aircraft back home. It’s always nice when the company entrusts me with about $150 million worth of aircraft, and to bring it back home for this inaugural flight is definitely a career highlight for me.”
First Officer Alleyne, 31, echoed Jackson’s sentiments: “This is definitely a career highlight for me. My parents took me to the Light Aeroplane Club when I was younger, and I would watch planes take off and land all day. I was so fascinated, and I told my mom every year that I would be a pilot for American Airlines. This is truly a dream come true. Thank you all for making this happen—it’s a special moment.”
The American Airlines nonstop service from Philadelphia to Barbados will operate every Saturday during the 2024-2025 Winter Season.
Author: Sheena Forde-Craigg
Publish: November 11, 2024