Vincentian pilot makes history landing a Boeing 737 at AIA

Rochelle Roache-Lanza made history on Saturday, December 9, when she successfully landed a Boeing 737-800 aircraft at the Argyle International Airport (AIA), becoming the first Vincentian woman to do so.

“This is my first time here, the weather was coming in and it wasn’t too bad of a landing, I’ve done similar landings to this many times before, but the pressure was on, everybody was expecting a very smooth landing so I had to deliver,” the first officer with American Airlines said in an interview with NBC Radio.

On arrival, American Airlines flight 1427 was given a water salute and First Officer Roache-Lanza was presented a bouquet by a pupil of the Argyle R. C Primary School. She was greeted by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves and Leader of the Opposition, Dr Godwin Friday.

Opposition Leader Dr Godwin Friday (left), presents American Airlines pilot Vincentian Rochelle Roache-Lanza, with a bag of memorabilia. At centre is her mom Marilyn Roache.

The Opposition Leader presented Roache-Lanza with a gift bag containing a hat decorated with a map of the northern Grenadine island of Bequia and other memorabilia. Friday is the parliamentary representative for Bequia where Roache-Lanza was born. He also presented a bouquet of flowers to Roache-Lanza’s mother, Marilyn Roache.

Prime Minister Gonsalves described the occasion a “moment of pride” for the country though some may see it as insignificant. He highlighted Roache-Lanza’s achievement, noting her expertise and experience as a product of the Vincentian society.

The Prime Minister said she holds the distinction of being the first to fly to St Vincent and the Grenadines in that role.

“So there are many firsts here and it is an inspiration for others, including young women, who want to get into the business of air traffic control, director of civil aviation, a pilot on an international carrier,” adding that before accomplishing such goals, one must “take advantage of the opportunities for primary, secondary and post secondary education here.” said Gonsalves.

Roache-Lanza attended the St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown, after which she was among the first batch of students to attend the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College. She worked at various airports in SVG as an air traffic controller, studied in Trinidad and Tobago before furthering her studies in Canada. After graduation she flew with multiple regional carriers as well as with a major commercial airline in Nigeria.