British Airways just set a major milestone in Antigua and Barbuda, celebrating the 60th anniversary of its first flight to the twin-island country. 

The carrier first touched down at VC Bird International Airport on June 1, 1962, then called the British Overseas Airways Corporation. 

“British Airways has for sixty years connected travelers from the UK and Europe to Antigua and Barbuda, allowing us to share our culture, our heritage, our hospitality, and the beauty of our destination,” said Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez. “As a trusted partner, British Airways is interwoven into our tourism story. We share a rich history – from destination partnerships, marketing campaigns, to unwavering support during times of need, they have without a doubt contributed to the success of our tourism product. As we share in this momentous occasion, we congratulate and applaud BA. We look forward to many more years of partnership, and a mutually rewarding relationship with our twin-island paradise.”

At a cocktail celebration to mark the occasion, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO shared tales of the airline from its first voyage in 1962 to its first corporate sponsorship of Antigua Carnival to the 1984 arrival of Concorde to the island. 

It’s a “marriage made in heaven, with an airline that has always served the destination well,” James said. 

The celebration included a British Airways airline-sculpted cake and the presentation of a replica of an historic photo of 1965 Carnival Queen Hyacinth Barrow waving to onlookers as she prepared to board a flight to England. 

“British Airways has always had a very strong relationship with Antigua and Barbuda and for sixty years – three generations – we have flown visitors to enjoy holidays, and we have reunited our Caribbean friends and family both here in the region and in London and beyond,” said Patrice Skerritt, regional director for British Airways.