American Airlines returns to Cap-Haïtien with an all-Haitian crew

The flight that marked American Airlines' return to Cap-Haïtien on Sunday, November 1, was operated by an all-Haitian crew. The aircraft took off from Miami International Airport at 10 a.m., WSVN reports, after the traditional water cannon salute on the tarmac.

At the controls was Captain Oliver Jean. According to Island TV and CDM Caribbean, he once headed Haiti's civil aviation authority, and the crew of the inaugural flight spoke Creole. Speaking to WSVN, the pilot said he felt a lot of emotion, but above all pride for the Haitian community. He sees the flight as a sign of progress for Haiti, after years of negative images of the country in the media. "Haiti is still here," he said, noting that the whole crew was Haitian.

He was assisted by First Officer Georges "Jeff" Barnes. Birline Vernet, Patrick Casimir, Daphnee Ferdinand, Stricker Dilhomme and Naromie Moussignac completed the crew, according to American Airlines' announcement shared on social media. According to Local 10, quoted by Rezo Nòdwès, it was Captain Jean who suggested to the airline that it bring together an all-Haitian crew for the flight, an idea American Airlines welcomed.

A daily route

American Airlines once again connects Miami and Cap-Haïtien every day, with Boeing 737 aircraft. U.S. commercial flights to the capital remain subject to federal restrictions because of gang violence.

According to Island TV and CDM Caribbean, Cap-Haïtien becomes American Airlines' 100th destination in Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America. Miami-Dade County and airport officials celebrated the return at a ceremony, as the airline marks its centennial this year.