ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

Antigua and Barbuda celebrated yesterday as son of the soil Brian Chase touched down in his home country for the first time as an American Airlines Captain.

Captain Chase was honoured with a water canon salute on the arrival of the American Airlines flight 2580 from Miami to Antigua’s, V. C. Bird International Airport. Prior to parking, a beaming Chase could be seen flying the flag of Antigua and Barbuda from the aircraft’s cockpit.

The historic moment was recognised by H.E. Sir Rodney Williams - The Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment - The Honourable Charles Fernandez alongside other tourism and airport officials, family and friends who gathered at the airport’s VIP lounge to receive the captain.

“We are thrilled to be sharing this special occasion with you, said Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism, The Honourable Charles Fernandez.  “Today’s flight is even more significant as Captain Chase also flew the first American Airlines flight into Antigua and Barbuda when the airport reopened during Covid in 2020. We congratulate you on your achievement and are proud to have you represent Antigua and Barbuda in the skies”, said the Tourism Minister.

“After almost five years at American, I couldn’t feel more proud and excited to be able to go on my first flight as a Captain on an American Airlines flight to Antigua, my homeland. This is a huge moment for me and my family,” said Brian Chase, American Airlines Captain. “I always knew since I was a young man that I wanted to be a pilot and I hope this may inspire the future generations to pursue their dreams and know that everything is possible”.

Captain Brian Chase marked 22 years of flying on February 18 2002. He became a captain with American Airlines in May 2023.