BARBADOS- On Saturday (November 9), Barbados marked a significant milestone in tourism as American Airlines (AA) inaugural nonstop Flight AA549 arrived from Philadelphia (PHL), USA.
The flight, carrying 118 passengers, was captained by Barbadians Dillon Jackson and First Officer Akiel Alleyne and landed at Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) at 1:55 p.m.
American Airlines Philadelphia to Barbados Flight
Among the passengers were Captain Jackson’s mother, Judy Jackson, and First Officer Alleyne’s parents, Blondelle Warner and Keith Alleyne, who received a warm welcome upon arrival.
Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill; Shelly Williams, Chairperson of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI); officials from the BTMI; Gabriel Knight, Political Officer, and Aviation Working Group Lead at the US Embassy in Barbados, were present to greet the flight.
The arrival celebration showcased Barbadian culture with the Haynesville Tuk Band, dancers, and stilt walkers.
Minister Gooding-Edghill thanked all parties involved in launching the new route and highlighted the importance of American Airlines’ Philadelphia service to Barbados tourism.
Minister Remarks
“Today marks a significant step in strengthening Barbados as a top destination,” stated Minister of Tourism Ian Gooding-Edghill. “This new route from Philadelphia reflects American Airlines’ confidence in Barbados’ appeal. It boosts connectivity from a major U.S. city and provides essential access from a key Trans-Atlantic hub.”
He added that the Ministry and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) will continue working with American Airlines to expand airlift to Barbados, aiming to surpass the 633,540 visitors recorded in 2023. “Current numbers indicate we’re on track to reach this goal,” he said.
The Minister emphasized the service’s importance for the upcoming “We Gatherin’” initiative. “This route arrives at an ideal time, following our participation in the World Travel Market in London, where we launched ‘We Gatherin’ for 2025. This service offers a crucial gateway for North American visitors and travelers from the U.K. and Europe,” he noted.
He added, “Through ‘We Gatherin’,’ we aim to attract more airlines and create experiences like today’s, welcoming members of the diaspora back to reconnect with family on the island.”
Representing American Airlines’ Caribbean Employee Business Resource Group (EBRG), Global Lead Krystle Louis expressed pride in having the inaugural flight piloted by two Barbadians.
“The Caribbean EBRG is one of 20 groups within American Airlines that fosters a diverse and inclusive environment, celebrating our employees’ heritage,” said Louis. “As a Guyanese, I’m always proud of new Caribbean routes, especially when we bring crew members home, as we did today.”
Saturday also marked another milestone for the Barbados–American Airlines partnership, with six AA aircraft positioned at Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) on the same day.
American Airlines Pilots Remarks
Captain Dillon Jackson, 27, American Airlines’ second youngest captain, described the experience as a career milestone: “My journey began here, at the Barbados Light Aeroplane Club about 20 years ago. Seeing Akiel—my first time flying with him—made this flight memorable. I left Barbados in 2014 with a dream, and today I returned, piloting a Boeing 737 back home. Entrusted with a $150 million aircraft, bringing it back to Barbados for this inaugural flight is a defining moment in my career.”
First Officer Akiel Alleyne, 31, shared similar feelings: “This is a career highlight. As a child, I spent hours watching planes at the Light Aeroplane Club and told my mom every year I’d become an American Airlines pilot. Today, that dream came true. Thank you all for making this moment possible.”
Also Read American Airlines Pilot Salary in 2024: How Much First Officer and Captain Earn?
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