It was a special homecoming for Captain Ryan Padmore on Sunday.
Not only was the Barbadian-born pilot for United Airlines able to fly a plane home, it was the first United Airlines flight to Barbados from Newark.
The occasion was marked by much fanfare as Padmore and crew were welcomed by tourism and airport officials at the Grantley Adams International Airport.
His was the first of three inaugural flights yesterday, with United Airlines Flight 390 touching down from Dulles, Washington, and Virgin Atlantic Flight 233 from Edinburgh, Scotland.
The day was made even more special as Padmore, a former St John and Christ Church resident, had two special passengers – his parents Donald and Beverley Padmore, who specifically booked the flight to be there for the occasion. He also met his stepmother Undeane Padmore on the tarmac.
The pilot thanked the airline for the opportunity to fly home and to be part of history, adding he hoped it was the first of many more. (CA)Â
