American Airlines, through its Caribbean Team Member Resource Group, is spearheading an exciting initiative aimed at inspiring the next generation of aviation and tourism professionals, with the hosting of the Aviation & Tourism Expo 2026 on Tuesday, November 17, at The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus.
Under the theme “Your Future Takes Flight,” the Expo will provide approximately 250 secondary school students with firsthand exposure to the diverse career opportunities available in aviation, tourism, technology and related industries.
The initiative is being undertaken by a volunteer team of American Airlines employees, primarily Caribbean nationals and individuals of Caribbean heritage based in New York and Miami, with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, British Airways, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and the Live and Give Foundation.
The Expo, scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., will feature interactive career exploration zones, hands-on demonstrations, and direct engagement with aviation professionals, including pilots, engineers, cabin crew, airport operations personnel and other industry specialists.
Students will explore career pathways through four dedicated zones: Aviation Discovery, Tourism Careers and Destination Development, STEM and Innovation, and Leadership and Community Impact. Activities will include flight simulator experiences, technology demonstrations, professional networking and discussions on emerging opportunities within the global aviation and tourism industries.
Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, the Honourable H. Charles Fernandez, has welcomed the American Airlines initiative, describing it as a meaningful investment in the future of Antigua and Barbuda’s young people.
“As we continue to invest in modernizing our aviation infrastructure, expanding international air connectivity and strengthening our tourism industry, we must be equally committed to developing the human capital required to sustain these advancements,” Minister Fernandez stated.
“This initiative by American Airlines is particularly commendable because it goes beyond simply introducing young people to careers. It allows them to interact with professionals who share their Caribbean heritage, hear their success stories and recognize that they, too, can aspire to become pilots, engineers, aviation executives, tourism innovators and leaders in the global industry.”
The visiting American Airlines volunteer delegation will also undertake a community outreach initiative on Wednesday, November 18, distributing educational supplies to students at Jennings Primary and Jennings Secondary Schools, along with a visit to Cedar Grove Primary School.
The outreach will include special recognition for selected outstanding students and educators, celebrating academic achievement, dedication and excellence in education.
Similar American Airlines-led career exposure initiatives have previously been held in Jamaica and Barbados, reflecting the volunteer team’s continued commitment to inspiring Caribbean youth and expanding awareness of opportunities within the aviation industry.
The Aviation & Tourism Expo represents another important opportunity to strengthen the relationship between education and industry, while encouraging young Antiguans and Barbudans to envision themselves as future leaders in aviation, tourism and beyond.
Source: Antigua News Room American Airlines to host aviation and tourism career expo for students in Antigua and Barbuda.