Two Barbadians pilot inaugural flight from Philadelphia

arbados celebrated another historic tourism milestone on Saturday with the arrival of American Airlines (AA) nonstop Flight AA 549 from Philadelphia, piloted by Barbadians Captain Dillon Jackson and First Officer Akiel Alleyne.

 

The flight touched down at Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) at 1:55 p.m., where 118 passengers, including Jackson’s mother, Judy Jackson, and Alleyne’s parents, Blondelle Warner and Keith Alleyne, were warmly welcomed.

 

Present to greet them were Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill, Chairperson of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) Shelly Williams, officials from the BTMI, and a vibrant display of local culture, featuring the Haynesville Tuk Band, dancers, and stilt walkers.

 

Minister Gooding-Edghill said: “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.”

 

“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,” he added.

 

Jackson, 27, and Alleyne reflected on the significance of the moment, both for their personal careers and for Barbados.

 

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.”

 

Alleyne, 31, echoed Jackson’s sentiments.

“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,” he said.

 

Speaking on behalf of AA’s Caribbean Employee Business Resource Group (EBRG), Global Lead Krystle Louis highlighted the pride in having the flight piloted by two Barbadians.

 

“The Caribbean EBRG is one of 20 diverse groups within our airline, promoting a positive and inclusive environment that celebrates our employees’ backgrounds, beliefs, and nationalities. As a Guyanese woman, it’s always a proud moment to celebrate new routes in our region, but it’s even more special when we can bring our crew members back home, as we did today,” she said.

 

Meanwhile, Minister Gooding-Edghill expressed gratitude to everyone involved in making the inaugural service possible and emphasised the significance of AA’s new route from Philadelphia which will operate every Saturday during the 2024-2025 winter season.

 

He said it was an important milestone in ongoing efforts to strengthen Barbados’ position as a premier destination.

“This new route from Philadelphia demonstrates American Airlines’ confidence in our island’s appeal to a broad range of travellers. It not only enhances connectivity to Barbados from one of the largest cities in the United States but also provides vital access from a key hub for Trans-Atlantic travel,” he said.

 

Gooding-Edghill added that his ministry, in collaboration with the BTMI, will continue working with the airline to increase airlift to the island, aiming to exceed the 633 540 visitors recorded in 2023.

“Based on current figures, we are well on our way to achieving that goal,” he noted.

 

The minister also highlighted the significance of this service for the upcoming We Gatherin’ initiative: “The timing of this new route is perfect, coming right after our successful appearance at the World Travel Market, held in London from November 5th to 7th, where we introduced the We Gatherin’ initiative for 2025. As we prepare to invite the world to experience all that Barbados has to offer, this service will create a welcoming gateway for visitors from North America, as well as travellers from the United Kingdom and continental Europe.

 

“With the We Gatherin’ campaign underway, we hope to attract even more airlines and experiences like today’s. We are eager to welcome more members of the diaspora as they reconnect with their loved ones here on the island.”

In addition to the inaugural flight, last Saturday marked another significant moment in Barbados’ partnership with AA, as six AA aircraft were on the tarmac at GAIA in a single day.

(BGIS/BT)