New American Airlines captain flies home to Antigua and Barbuda

Bernal Simon returned to his native Antigua and Barbuda in grand style, landing an American Airlines plane at the V.C. Bird International Airport, with his hometown flag flying from the cockpit’s window.

He, of course, received a hero’s welcome.

“Antigua and Barbuda proudly welcomed one of its own, Capt. Bernal Simon, as he returned home for the first time in his new role as an American Airlines captain. The momentous landing took place earlier this month at V.C. Bird International Airport, where Capt. Simon was greeted with a celebratory water cannon salute on the arrival of American Airlines Flight 2378 from New York,” according to a statement from the Caribbean Tourism Organization on behalf of the island’s Tourism Authority.

Further, it noted that “in a gesture of national pride, Simon flew the Antigua and Barbuda flag from the cockpit window…” and that among those on site to witness the event were his parents, Nelson and Bernita Simon.

Local dignitaries who gathered in the airport’s VIP lounge to celebrate Simon’s achievement included Charles Fernandez, minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment; Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority; Joseph Samuel, acting CEO of Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority, as well as other tourism and airport officials, family, and friends.