After 27 Years, United Airlines 787 Captain Bids Farewell in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES – United Airlines (UA) held a heartfelt farewell for Captain Vasco Rodriguez as he completed his final flight from Tokyo Haneda (HND) to Los Angeles (LAX).

This significant journey, operated on a Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, was warmly welcomed at LAX, where classmates, family, and airport personnel celebrated his remarkable 27-year career.

Captain’s Farewell at LAX

Captain Vasco Rodriguez, flying under United Airlines, touched down at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on flight UA38 from Tokyo Haneda (HND) on September 13, 2025.

This flight was not merely another trip but marked the concluding chapter of a notable aviation career.

Inside the cockpit, air traffic controllers and ground staff honored him with warm remarks transmitted over the radio.

Captain Chris, a fellow pilot, commented on an Instagram post saying:

So many pilots are retiring every day; we need more aviators to replace them.

Captain Chris

The farewell ceremony underscored not only Captain Rodriguez’s professional accomplishments but also the vital support from his family, as his wife Julia and daughter Karina were present during this significant moment.

Transcript of Farewell Conversation with ATC

Ground Staff: Captain Vasco Rodriguez on board?
Pilot: Affirmative, sir.
Ground Staff: Captain Rodriguez, congratulations on your 27 years of service with United Airlines. We recognize your wife Julia and daughter Karina traveling with you today, having supported you throughout your career. On behalf of LAX World Airport and LA City Fire Station 80, we salute you and wish you a fulfilling retirement.

Pilot: I truly appreciate working with you over the years. I’ve been flying in and out of this airport for about 35 years. Great job to all of you!
Ground Staff: Thank you, sir. Enjoy your retirement. We’ll be giving you a water salute for your dedication.
Pilot: Thank you, much appreciated. Wishing you all the best.

ATC: United 38 Heavy from the tower, congratulations! Please contact ground on 121.75. See you soon.
Pilot: United 38 Heavy, 121.75. Thank you so much.

ATC: United 38, congratulations again. Enjoy your retirement.
Pilot: Thank you! I really appreciate all the good work everyone does. Looking forward to remembering these 35 years.

Tributes from Colleagues and Airport Officials

Airport officials, along with members of Los Angeles World Airports and LA City Fire Station 80, expressed their admiration for Captain Rodriguez’s service.

The retirement event featured a water cannon salute, a customary honor for significant achievements in aviation.

Colleagues shared touching messages via radio communications, reminiscing on his professionalism and dependability throughout his extensive career flying into and out of Los Angeles. Their heartfelt statements conveyed deep respect and camaraderie that defines the aviation community.

Legacy of Service at United Airlines

Captain Rodriguez’s retirement highlights United Airlines’ longstanding tradition of dedicated aviators who have committed their professional lives to aviation.

Pilots like him enhance safety standards, ensure operational excellence, and uphold the airline’s esteemed reputation on global routes connecting Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Los Angeles (LAX).

This farewell event at LAX also symbolizes the aviation community’s shared culture, in which significant milestones are acknowledged by colleagues, airport workers, and the broader aviation sector. It exemplifies the human element vital to air travel.

The Bottom Line

Retirement flights hold immense significance in aviation, offering an opportunity to honor crew members who have safely transported millions of passengers worldwide.

For those on board, these flights often become treasured memories, featuring heartfelt announcements and celebrations marking the occasion.

For Captain Rodriguez, landing at LAX symbolized the culmination of over three decades in aviation.

His career witnessed transformations in commercial aviation, from fleet advancements to expanded international routes, leaving a legacy cherished by colleagues and passengers alike.