You can now listen to Antigua News articles!
Max Fernandez and Latesha Azille (photo by Ministry of Tourism)
PRESS RELEASE
St. John’s…. April 15, 2025 – While attending the 40th Anniversary of Seatrade Cruise Global, the Honourable H. Charles “Max” Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, had the distinct pleasure of meeting Antiguan-born Latesha Latoya Azille, who recently made history as the first female Antiguan pilot to join a U.S.-based airline, Delta Air Lines.
Minister Fernandez used the opportunity separate from of the cruise conference held in Aprilat the Miami Beach Convention Center to meet with Ms. Azille. The encounter marked a proud and symbolic moment for the twin-island nation, bridging the worlds of tourism and aviation through the lens of Antiguan excellence.
Minister Fernandez congratulated Azille on her tremendous achievement, stating “meeting Latesha was truly inspiring. She’s a remarkable young woman whose accomplishments have made her entire nation proud. Young women across Antigua and Barbuda should see her as proof that with passion and perseverance, the sky is no limit.”
Latesha Azille was officially welcomed into the Delta family during a special wing ceremony held at the Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta on March 19, 2025. The traditional event marked her transition into the airline’s flight team and was made even more memorable as it coincided with Delta’s 100th anniversary—celebrating a century of aviation since its founding in 1925.
Reflecting on her journey, Azille shared that this success is not only a personal and national milestone; it’s a powerful statement for Caribbean women and girls everywhere: that no sky is too high, and no dream too bold.
During their discussion, Minister Fernandez and Azille explored the intersections of aviation and tourism and the importance of nurturing ambition, skill, and resilience in the pursuit of national and personal goals.
Antigua and Barbuda’s participation in Seatrade Cruise Global 2025—held under the theme “Leading the Way in Cruising Excellence!”—further emphasized the nation’s commitment to innovation, connectivity, and leadership in regional travel. The event brought together over 11,000 cruise professionals, more than 600 exhibitors, and delegates from over 120 countries and 70 cruise brands.
As Antigua and Barbuda continues to position itself as a leader in Caribbean tourism, stories like Azille’s highlight the spirit of determination and excellence that define the nation’s people.
Latesha Azille is a true ambassador of Antiguan excellence! Her achievement shows the world what our people are capable of when given the right opportunities. I’m glad Minister Fernandez took the time to celebrate her during such a major tourism event it’s a reminder that tourism isn’t just beaches, it’s also our people and their global impact.
Minister Fernandez was right girls in Antigua and Barbuda need to see stories like this. Latesha’s journey is proof that your background doesn’t define your potentials. I hope this meeting leads to actual mentorship programmes or partnerships with airlines to support more youth in aviation careers. I also hold the faith that this will serve as an advocate for young ladies who doubt themselves due to how the world differentiate things.
In a male-dominated field like aviation, Latesha’s success is more than a personal win it’s a political statement. Representation matters. The government should use this as a launchpad to invest in young women in STEM and aviation through scholarships and targeted support. Let’s turn inspiration into access.
What are we doing to remove the barriers that keep most of our talented youth from reaching that level? Aviation is expensive, and opportunities are limited.
Congratulations Ms. Azille. Well. Done to you.
Excellent, we need more beautiful female pilots like this.