LIAT 2020 is moving closer to its official launch, with demonstrative flights scheduled for this week to obtain Air Operations Certificates (AOC).
Ambassador Daven Joseph, the interim chairman of LIAT 2020, told media in Antigua that the airline will take to the skies twice this week in conjunction with the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA), the regulatory body responsible for issuing the certificates.
The demo flights will see one aircraft flying to St Kitts on Thursday and another to St Lucia on Friday.
Officials from ECCAA, along with LIAT 2020 staff, will be onboard the ATR aircraft acquired by the airline from the defunct LIAT (1974) Ltd. The purchase was facilitated through the Caribbean Development Bank at a cost of $4.1 million USD each.
LIAT 1974 Ltd ceased operations on January 24, 2024, under the supervision of court-appointed administrator Cleveland Seaforth.
Despite being a leading carrier in the subregion, the airline faced persistent financial challenges, leading to its demise and creating a significant gap in the market.
The government of Antigua and Barbuda has since been actively involved in revitalizing the airline, which includes a partnership with Nigerian carrier Air Peace.
