LIAT 2020 Prepares for Imminent Relaunch with Test Flights

LIAT (LIAT20) was seen conducting test flights today, April 8, at V.C Bird International Airport, signaling progress towards its anticipated relaunch.

Antiguan authorities are optimistic that LIAT 2020 will commence flights in under a month. Ambassador Daven Joseph, serving as temporary chairman, disclosed plans for the airline’s initial operations, revealing that it will kick off with a fleet of six planes.

To facilitate this endeavor, Antigua intends to procure three LIAT 1974 Limited aircraft, with the Caribbean Development Bank facilitating the acquisition at a cost of $12.1 million. Antigua and Barbuda have pledged $4.1 million towards the purchase of the first aircraft, with transactions expected to proceed imminently.

Joseph expressed hopes of obtaining the Air Operators Certificate (AOC) and acquiring the necessary aircraft within the next two to three weeks.

In addition to these efforts, the government is collaborating with Nigeria’s Air Peace to bolster LIAT 2020’s operations. This partnership entails the deployment of six aircraft initially, with plans for future fleet expansion.

Currently, one LIAT aircraft is operational, while the remaining two are undergoing maintenance, with the aim of having all three aircraft operational by September.