PM Gaston Browne inspects newly introduced LIAT aircrafts

Prime Minister Gaston Browne inspected the interiors of two newly launched jet aircraft in LIAT 2020 Ltd, during a short welcome ceremony in Tarmac on Wednesday. The visit was done as the airline recently two new jet aircraft, enabling the carrier to move one step closer to flying in regional skies.

The two Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft, with registrations 5N-BVD and 5N-BXG arrived at Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport on Tuesday and were saluted with a water cannon.

According to officials, LIAT 2020 will welcome an Embraer ERJ 145, and 128-seater aircraft into its family later this year. The aircrafts will be acquired from the private Nigerian airline Air Peace and it is said to have 70 per cent stake in the company.

The sources revealed that the Government of Antigua brought three former LIAT (1974) Ltd ATR 42-600 aircraft at a price of US $12.1 million from the Caribbean Development Bank. From the three, two need the maintenance to take flight.

Notably, the government has promised to invest the amount of US $10 million to the project. PM Browne encouraged the former employees of LIAT (1974) to negotiate directly to the administration instead of their union. The leader of Antigua and Barbuda government vows to create more employment opportunities, with the arrival of new entity.

“I know the severance issue is still an issue. And while my administration has no legal obligation to pay severance, I say to those displaced employees of LIAT and even to those who are still employed at LIAT that my administration is committed to covering 32 percent of the severance, which represents my government’s stake in LIAT at the time. In fact, I say to you that while the union has been an obstacle, my administration is now prepared to negotiate directly with LIAT employees. And put in place a mechanism to ensure that you are paid the 32 percent”, remarked PM Browne.

As per sources, the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union (ABWU) indicated that they would seek 100 per cent severance payment for its ex- employees. Though the initial routes of  have not been revealed but PM Browne said that the flights connect to the Caribbean will be safe and affordable. He urged the people to support the LIAT as a Caribbean brand.

PM added that they have received a 128-seater aircraft from Air Peace, which is likely to be used on the Antigua-Miami route. According to an April 17 Cabinet note, Antiguan government seeks to address its “Open Skies Agreement” with the United States and update their Air Services Agreement (ASA) with USA, signed in 1977.

This ASA agreement will allow Antigua and Barbuda carriers to enter US territories such as the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and the continental USA. LIAT project head, Hafsa Absulsalam was asked about the operating of its first commercial flight, he said it was “very close.”

Continuing her statement, she highlighted, “We are hoping to launch the airline in a matter of weeks. We will hit the road with our marketing campaign and tell you what our services are all about. Naturally, the islands we fly our demonstration flights to will be the first to be added to our schedule. With this in mind, we are perfecting our operational preparations to be able to start operations.”

It is to be noted that the airline can only operate its commercial flights on the issuance of an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) by the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA). For a time being, the airline operates demo flights and the officials expects the issuance of AOC by next week.

The last commercial flight by LIAT 2020 was operated on January 22, 2024. LIAT (1974) had flown on a limited schedule for several years after being placed under administration in 2020.