On Saturday, November 9, Barbados celebrated another milestone in its tourism history as American Airlines’ (AA) inaugural nonstop Flight AA 549, piloted by Barbadians Captain Dillon Jackson and First Officer Akiel Alleyne, arrived from Philadelphia, USA, with 118 passengers.
The flight touched down at Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) at 1:55 p.m., where passengers, including Captain Jackson’s mother, Judy Jackson, and First Officer 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; Gabriel Knight, Political Officer, and Aviation Working Group Lead at the US Embassy in Barbados; and a vibrant display of local culture, featuring the Haynesville Tuk Band, dancers, and stilt walkers.
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.
“Today marks an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to strengthen Barbados’ position as a premier destination,” the Minister said. “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 added that the 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.”
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,” Ms. Louis said.
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.