Effort to establish an air bridge with West Africa

(CABINET NOTES)The Cabinet has determined that its effort to establish an air bridge with West Africa is to be continuously pursued. The Gaston Browne administration has pursued relations with Air Peace, the largest Nigerian air carrier, to invest in LIAT 2020 Ltd. The Cabinet is of the view that the capital required to make the new LIAT worthy is not forthcoming from the former shareholders of LIAT 1974 Ltd. Hence, another investor is required and Air Peace has indicated its capabilities. That carrier will also seek to establish regular flights between West Africa and Antigua, utilizing LIAT for dispersing its transit passengers to other Caribbean Countries, and building up the capabilities of LIAT to fly outside of the region. For Carnival 2023, arrangements are being made to share Nigeria’s rich cultural tapestry with a group of cultural artistes from Nigeria, for a period of four days. They will all stay at one of Antigua’s luxury hotels and be returned to their homeland by Air Peace at the end of the Carnival festivities.