East Providence native pilots inaugural flight from Miami to Havana
By Alana Cerrone
@Alana_Cerrone
A ribbon cutting, Cuban coffee, and celebratory straw hats.
It was a party at Miami International Airport Monday morning as passengers boarded the first commercial flight from the U.S. to Havana, Cuba, in 50 years.
"I did not expect this many cameras this is fantastic I like this," said one passenger.
Inside that cockpit sat American Airlines pilot David Leonardo, born and raised in East Providence.
"I did go to the airport to T.F. Green Airport and went right down the line to hand in applications when I was 18 years old to be a ticket agent or a ramp agent."
He was hired by American Airlines as a ticket agent. Fast forward about 20 years …and he’s behind the controls for one of the most monumental occasions since the U.S and Cuba decided to restore diplomatic relations 2 years ago.
"We opened our windows and put the flags out and we got the cannon salute."
His plane was greeted with a warm welcome from the Cuban people – and before the flight from Havana back to Miami…also the first in decades…there’s Leonardo alongside ABC World News Anchor David Muir.
"He was there he was there for the ribbon-cutting…I did see him boarding the flight I didn’t get to talk to him but he said hello and then he took his seat."
Leonardo says to be involved in such a significant moment in our country’s history is wonderful – and yet comes as a surprise.
"It’s crazy because I was working on our farm and I was expecting to take over the family business…but I just had my calling."
Leonardo says since his cameo on World News and in other publications he’s actually been recognized by passengers in the airport…and even got the nickname ‘Havana Dave’.
© WLNE-TV 2016
