A third-generation member of an aviation-loving family says he has become the first Bahamian to obtain a Masters of Laws degree (LL.M.) in International Aviation.

Keith Major Jr joined Maktoom Al Wahaibi, who was achieving a similar "first" for Oman, in receiving their degrees in Chicago, Illinois, at DePaul University's 119th College of Law commencement service.

Chicago is home to DePaul University's International Aviation Law Institute, the first and only institute of its kind in the US. Chicago is also the place where the Convention on International Civil Aviation was signed in 1944.

The Chicago Convention, as it is referred to, has been ratified by more than 190 countries and is administered by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a United Nations (UN) agency also established in 1944.

Mr Major's achievement marks the third generation of his family to align their careers with aviation. This tradition began with his grandfather, Etienne Odell Major (deceased), who joined the Bahamas' Civil Aviation Department in 1957 and retired in 1991 as its deputy director.

Keith O Major Sr, Mr Major's father, joined the Bahamas Civil Aviation Department in 1973, and Wendy Major (nee Gardiner), Mr Major's mother, joined in 1975. Both of Mr Major's parents are still employed in The Bahamas's aviation sector. Mr Major Sr presently serves as manager of the Bahamas Air Navigation Services Department (BANSD), and Mrs Major serves as director of the aviation policy unit in the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation.