Antigua and Barbuda: American Airlines A321 NEO landed at VC Bird International Airport from Miami International Airport in the second attempt amid the high winds. Due to inclement weather conditions, the aircraft failed to land at the airport on its first attempt.
The airline landed at the VC Bird from Miami after the passage of Tropical Storm Ernesto as the storm caused disruption of the flights. Even during its landing, the weather posed threat to the airline and made tough on its first attempt, but the efficient staff of American Airlines landed at Antigua and Barbuda on the second attempt.
A321 NEO landed in the country 20 minutes early from its scheduled time and departed the airport in one attempt. The flight was piloted by Brian Bizzle Chase who lauded the authorities at the airport.
The passage of Tropical Storm Ernesto brought disruptions in the service of the flights as the VC Bird International Airport was also shut down to avoid any serious damage. The airport has come into full operations on Wednesday and the flights have also started their regular service to Antigua and Barbuda.
It is important to mention that American Airlines and VC Bird International Airport shared friendly ties and connection as recently airline announced new Antiguan pilot of the aircraft. Pilot Bernel Simon became the first citizen of the country who was appointed as the pilot of American Airlines.
When he landed at Antigua and Barbuda for the first time, the airport welcomed him with a water cannon salute. He proudly waved the flag of the country from the flight deck, celebrating an amazing 10-year aviation career with American Airlines.
He was promoted to the position of the pilot and now provides service to Antigua and Barbuda on the scheduled days. With his appointment, he stated that during all his years spent with the airline, he was proof that a little child growing up in the Caribbean with a dream of aviation and aspirations of taking flights.
American Airlines expanded its service to Antigua and Barbuda in November last year and introduced a second daily non-stop flight from Miami. They also announced that the airline will expand double daily non-stop service until September 3, 2024, aiming to meet the demand for flights during the summer months.
The airline has also been planning to start the operations of daily flights to Antigua from New York in the coming spring season. It will depend upon the performance of the US market for the country during the summer season.
The expansion of the service of American Airlines was also recorded in April 2022 due to the significant surge in the demand among the tourists from New York. The daily service was extended from August 16, 2022, to November 2, 2022, from New York to Antigua with the addition of seven new flights.
