During the 46th CARICOM Heads of Government meeting, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda updated on the progress of LIAT 2020, the new regional air service.
PM Browne announced a partnership with Nigeria’s Air Peace, estimated at US$80 million.
Air Peace will provide three Embraer E-145 50-seater aircraft by mid-March, joining three sourced from the Caribbean Development Bank and leased by LIAT (1974) Ltd. Air Peace will also assist in acquiring LIAT (1974) headquarters and initial aircraft.
The plan is to operate LIAT 2020 with six aircraft, three from LIAT (1974) Ltd and three from Air Peace, with the possibility of fleet expansion.
Recruitment for LIAT 2020’s leadership is ongoing, with a focus on acquiring an Air Operations Certificate, contingent upon the airline’s first aircraft acquisition.
PM Browne will meet with the CDB to finalize arrangements for the three planes formerly owned by LIAT (1974) Ltd.