Bernel Simon makes his inaugural return to Antigua as American Airlines Captain

Antigua and Barbuda: It is a moment of pride for Antigua and Barbuda as Bernel Simon made his inaugural return home to the island nation as the Captain of American Airlines.

Bernel Simon is the son of the soil who hails from the village of Sea View Farm and was welcomed by the Tourism and Airport officials. Notably, the Antiguan & Barbudan piloted an American airlines 737 Max 8 into the VC Bird International Airport on Wednesday around 11:37 am.

The parents of Bernel, Nelson and Bernita Simon, his family members, airline colleagues and other well-wishers were all presented at the airport in order to celebrate his achievement. On the remarkable accomplishment of Simon, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne also took to his official Facebook account and extended congratulations to him.

He wished him all the best for his upcoming flights and called him the pride of Antigua and Barbuda. He stated that it is a testament to the unwavering commitment and dedication of the Bernel Simon towards his passion for flying which has made his aspiration into a reality.

During Simon’s inaugural return to country as the captain, he was also welcomed by Andre Yuri Mannix, one of the most prolific aviator vloggers of Antigua. He was accompanied by the entire Aviation Spotters community at home and abroad.

Andre Mannix also shared the pictures of his celebration with Bernel Simon on his Facebook account and lauded him for his determination and extended him congratulations. “Celebrating with Capt. Bernel Simon and Antigua & Barbuda, congratulations on all your achievements and on becoming Captain of American Airlines,” noted Andre Mannix.

Moreover, the Tourism Ministry of Antigua and Barbuda also acknowledged the enhanced relations with American Airlines and stated that the carrier always plays a huge role in bringing large number of tourists to the country. The Ministry stated that American Airlines move of expanding services to Antigua and Barbuda for Summer 2024 has helped a lot in attracting several tourists to the country.

They also added that they are optimistic that Bernel Simon as a Captain of the American Airlines will continue to board several flights to Antigua and Barbuda. The netizens of the country also took to their social media accounts and extended best wishes to Simon for his achievement.

One person commented “Congrats. It was a pleasure to be a passenger on your milestone accomplishment.” Another wrote “Congratulations, I always wanted to become a pilot but things did not work out for me so I am happy to see my Caribbean people becoming pilots.”