It was a joyous scene at VC Bird International Airport Monday afternoon as scores
of people turned up to witness the landing of American Airlines Flight 2580 with
Antigun Captain, Brian Chase, in charge of the flight.
The aircraft, traveling from Miami, arrived half an hour ahead of schedule, was
welcomed with a water cannon salute on the tarmac as its taxied to the gate. As the
aircraft was about to make its final turn to get to the airbridge, Captain Chase
opened the window of the cockpit to lean over and to wave the Antigua and
Barbuda flag.
He was greeted at the gate by a team of flag-waving enthusiasts comprising staff of
the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, American Airlines and members of
the media. He also received a warm embrace from Tourism Minister, Charles Max
Fernandez.
At a reception held in the VIP Lounge, Governor General Sir Rodney Williams
noted that he has been following Captain Chase’s development from childhood and
the is very happy to be able to be part of the party welcoming him home after
making the historic flight. “I remember when he used to work for US Airways,
American Eagle and now he has moved on to America Airlines where he has
achieved the status of being named a captain. It shows that despite the fact that
someone comes from a small island, that person is still able to achieve great
things,” he remarked.
The GG noted that it’s a joyous occasion not only for the fact that the country
needs airlift and to have an aircraft with an Antigua and Barbuda captain does
wonders for the country overall.
Minister Fernandez noted that having Captain Chase pilot the aircraft into VCBIA
had special significance for him as Captain Chase was the first officer on the first
flight into the country after it opened following the closure from COVID.
“It was a very moving moment for all of us because that was a time when we
didn’t even have vaccination and we were wondering who these brave folks were
bringing in the flight and our good friend, ‘Ambassador’ Chase helped to bring that
flight in,” he stated.
Captain Chase said he has been in the aviation industry for 22-years. He started at
Carib Aviation, then LIAT before moving on to US Airways and later American
Eagle and America Airlines.
He dedicated the flight to his late mother and thanks members of his family and
others for their support. He also expressed thanks to God for his guidance and
protection. He also expressed a desire to serve as a mentor for young people by
inviting them to contact him to discuss matters of concern.
