In a historic achievement, Latesha Latoya Azille, hailing from the Villa/Point community in Antigua, has become the first female Antiguan pilot at a major U.S. airline, joining Delta Air Lines as a First Officer. This milestone not only marks a personal triumph for Azille but also serves as an inspiring testament to perseverance and dedication in the field of aviation.
Azille, affectionately known as Latoya, was officially welcomed into the Delta family during a prestigious wing ceremony held at the Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta on March 19th, 2025. This event, rich in tradition, symbolizes the transition of pilots into their professional roles within the airline. Her induction is particularly significant as it coincides with Delta’s centennial celebrations, commemorating 100 years of aviation excellence since its inception on March 2, 1925.
Adding even greater meaning to this achievement is the fact that it comes during Women’s History Month—a time dedicated to honouring the contributions of women who have shattered ceilings and redefined possibility. Azille’s success is not only a personal and national milestone; it’s a powerful statement for Caribbean women and girls everywhere: that no sky is too high, and no dream too bold.
Her aviation career began in 2016 when she joined LIAT as a First Officer. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, which led to widespread industry layoffs, Azille’s resilience remained unwavering. In 2022, she advanced her career by piloting MD-80s for World Atlantic Airlines, based in Miami. This experience paved the way for her current role at Delta, where she now serves as a First Officer.
Azille’s educational foundation was laid in Antigua, where she attended Foundation Mixed School, Antigua Girls’ High School, and Antigua State College. She earned the prestigious Sir Arthur Lewis Scholarship to attend the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus in Barbados, where she completed a double major Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Management in three years. After graduating, she returned to Antigua and began working at Antigua Commercial Bank as a CSR/Teller. But the dream of flying still burned strong. In March 2012—13 years ago—Latesha left for flight school in Miami to finally pursue her dream. In just six months, she completed her first three licenses and officially launched her aviation journey. She attributes her success to the support of her community and the solid educational grounding she received.
A trailblazer in her own right, Azille is deeply committed to mentoring young women and Caribbean youth aspiring to careers in aviation, embodying the ethos of lifting others as she climbs.
Her story is also one of personal resilience. Born prematurely at just 26 weeks, Azille’s determination was evident from the very beginning—a trait her late mother fondly recognized. Today, she honours her mother’s memory by exemplifying that with faith, resilience, and heart, one can rise, soar, and break barriers for those who follow.
As she embarks on this new chapter with Delta Air Lines, Latesha Latoya Azille not only elevates her professional trajectory but also, during a month that honours the fierce legacy of women trailblazers, cements her place among them—amplifying the voice, vision, and valour of Caribbean women in global aviation.
