LIAT expands its network to include three other Caribbean destinations

ROSEAU, Dominica,  CMC – The Dominica government has welcomed the decision of the Antigua-based regional airline, LIAT 2020, to include the island among its new routes as the inaugural flight to Douglas Charles airport, north of here took place on Thursday.

“LIAT 2020 represents a new chapter in Caribbean aviation one that promises to strengthen regional integration, boost economic activity and provide a vital link for travellers among our beautiful Caribbean islands,’ said Public Works and Public Utilities Minister, Fidel Grant.

“The return of LIAT is not just a business venture but a symbol of collective commitment to growth and prosperity to Caribbean tourism. This airline will connect our people, facilitate the movement of goods and showcase the unparallel beauty and diversity of our region to the world,” Grant said, praising the stakeholders of the airline “in bringing back this airline to life.

“Your efforts have not gone unnoticed and we are confident that under your leadership, LIAT 2020 will spar to new heights connecting our islands with efficiency, reliability and a touch of Caribbean flair”.

Earlier this month, the newly formed LIAT 2020 made its inaugural flight to St Lucia  signalling the return to the skies of the inter-regional airline, whose previous owners, LIAT (1974) Ltd went bankrupt in January this year.

LIAT 1974 Ltd has been under administration since July 24, 2020 and the new entity, has been formed in partnership with Air Peace, a private Nigerian airline founded in 2013.

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne said that Air Peace would be putting in close to US$65 million, while his government is investing US$20 million.

Browne said that the partnership with Air Peace will result in the new company having at least seven new aircraft to service the routes.

The chief executive officer of the Dominica Air and Seaport Authority, Benoit Bardouille, said  LIAT 2O2O will operate four flights to and from Dominica weekly and the airline’s director of operation, Athur Senhouse said he is hoping the Caribbean will embrace the new airline.

“It is the hope and dream of our prime minister as he encourages his other Caribbean counterparts to  embrace the vision to play a part in making sure that LIAT 2020 does what it is planned to do, whereby it creates the conduit for economic and socio activity, growth and prosperity, employment and connectivity throughout our Caribbean region”.

He said this principle is based on a culture of safety “which is our first and most precious possession as we put together the plan for continuing to build LIAT 2020.

“It is the hope and dream of many of our children as we plan this journey forward that they are able to  grow up in a region where they can live their dreams for taking part in an airline at any particular level,” Senhouse added.

The chief executive officer of Discover Dominica Authority And Tourism Director, Marva Williams, said the arrival of the airline into Dominica marks a “new chapter in air travel for our beloved Dominica".

“This new route serves as a vital link, boosting our regional connections and unlocking numerous opportunities for tourism and trade,” she said, adding “as the backbone of our local economy, tourism will surely flourish with increased access and visibility”.

The inaugural flight to Dominica, also coincided with the airline’s expansion of its network to St Kitts-Nevis and Grenada.

The airline already has scheduled flights to Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia and Barbados and the airline said that in a move aimed at making air travel more accessible, it is offering competitive fares across its network.

Passengers can now travel between any of the destinations at least three days a week for a base fare of US$99, exclusive of taxes.

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.