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A Caribbean Airlines passenger went into labor moments before her flight landed at John F. Kennedy Airport on Saturday – as air traffic control suggested a crafty name for the newborn.
The bundle of joy was delivered aboard Caribbean Airlines’ Flight 005 as the aircraft was on final approach to New York just before noon, according to an ATC recording obtained by CBS News.
“Tell her she’s got to name it Kennedy,” a JFK ground controller creatively suggested for the new mother.
The Boeing 737 Max 8, which departed from Kingston, Jamaica, turned into an impromptu delivery room as the pilots on board asked officials for a quicker landing.
“Descend and maintain 3000, Caribbean 005, and we have a passenger that’s going into labor at this time, and we’d like to continue direct Zetal,” the pilot said, according to the audio.
The air traffic controller misheard the pilot and questioned whether there was a “sick passenger” aboard the plane.
“We have a passenger, a pregnant passenger, who’s going into labor at this time, requesting direct Zetal,” the pilot corrected.
The plane was given the green light for the direct approach, with medical personnel stationed to meet it at the gate.
“Kennedy Tower, Caribbean Airlines 005, descending through 2,200 for 2,000 direct ZETAL, with one woman in labor on board,” the pilot said.
After the plane landed, a JFK ground controller welcomed the flight and asked about the child’s status.
“Caribbean five, ground. Is it out yet?” the airport official asked as the pilot responded with a hardy ” Yes, sir.
The conditions of the mother and her newborn were not immediately known.
Saturday’s birth is not the first time a baby has been born on a flight flying to JFK.
In January 2015, a then-33-year-old mother went into labor during a Royal Jordanian flight as a doctor and nurse on board helped with the delivery.
The flight landed just over two hours after the birth and both mother and child were brought to Jamaica Hospital in Queens in good condition.
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