Antigua and Barbuda: LIAT 2020 to fly first scheduled flight today

Antigua and Barbuda: It is a significant milestone for Antigua and Barbuda as LIAT 2020 is all set to commence its first scheduled flight today at the VC Bird International Airport.

The event will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the airport at 8:30 am. This inaugural flight will carry the officials of the government and other media representatives, which marks the new chapter for LIAT 2020.

Also, in order to celebrate the first LIAT flight, Sandals Grand Resort hosted an inauguration ceremony which was attended by Prime Minister Gaston Brone and other government ministers.

While shedding light on the LIAT 2020 operations, PM Browne asserted that after several years of negotiations, lobbying and problems the aircraft is finally all set to commence its first scheduled flights. He added the arrival of flight marks a new era of regional connectivity and accessibility which will play a huge role in building strong relations across Caribbean and elevating its tourism sector.

The Prime Minister stated that LIAT 2020 will serve as a catalyst for economic and social development across the Caribbean, bringing immense benefits to the nations. LIAT 2020 is reportedly a 30/70 partnership between Antigua and Barbuda and Air Peace, with a substantial USD80 million investment that has been earmarked to support this transformative project.

Notably, Air Peace is a renowned Nigerian carrier that is committed to providing three E145s to LIAT 2020, which underscores the collaborative and forward-thinking nature of this project.

This collaboration was established during the COVID-19 period with a vision of expanding its footprints. Also, during this time, the administration of the island nation decided to suspend the operations of LIAT 1974 because of the economic impact, island nation had to face due to pandemic.

Moreover, PM Browne added that LIAT 2020 has all the aircraft needed; he continued to say that it has appropriate maintenance and operational arrangements that ensure safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of services to the people of the island nation. The leader of the nation, who is known as the driving force behind LIAT 2020, expressed excitement about the inaugural flight and stated that it would bring a large number of tourists with enhancement in regional connectivity and non-stop services flights.