History was made on November 9, 2024 when two Barbadians took the helm of the first AA flight from Philadelphia. American Airlines Flight AA549 from Philadelphia to Bridgetown, Barbados was operated by Captain Dylan Jackson and First Officer Archiel Alleyne.
Several dignitaries, including Ian Gooding-Edghill, Minister for Tourism and International Transport, met the plane upon arrival. In a speech celebrating the arrival, Ms. Gooding-Edghill welcomed crew and passengers and welcomed American Airlines’ expansion of its services to Barbados. He also sees it as “a catalyst to foster stronger links between the United States and Barbados.”
In addition, the pastor expressed his gratitude to everyone who worked hard to make the new worship service possible. Special thanks were extended to the American Airlines corporate team in the United States, Jennifer Carter, General Manager of AA Barbados and her team, and the staff of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), especially Peter Mayers, BTMI’s Director of Americas, and Eusi Skeete, Head of BTMI’s Canadian Operations.
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 admit their aviation roots are rooted in the Barbados Light Aircraft Club.
Captain Jackson, who at 27 is American Airlines’ second-youngest captain, said piloting the first flight of the Boeing 737 was a career highlight for him. First officer Alleyne, 31, echoed the captain’s sentiments, calling the experience “a dream come true.”
The Minister called the two young pilots true ambassadors of Barbados who proudly represent the island. He also said that November is Independence Month in Barbados, giving it an additional reason to celebrate.
source: Two Barbadian Pilots First AA Flight in Philadelphia (Barbados Ministry of Tourism and International Transport)
video: Barbados Government Information Service (BGIS)
