LIAT taking off

LIAT is set to return to the skies next Monday, the regional airline announced today after being grounded since March.

Barbados is on the flight plan, which also includes six other Caribbean destinations, namely, Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, St Kitts and St Vincent.

“The limited schedule of flights will return connectivity to these destinations which were impacted by the airline’s suspension of commercial services,” the Antigua-based carrier said in a statement.

LIAT said it would resume services to other destinations next month.

Prior to its collapse, LIAT flew to 21 destinations, operating an average of 112 daily flights within a complex network.

While the airline announced the resumption of services, it offered little assurance for travellers who had booked tickets before it was forced to suspend services more than eight months ago, after Caribbean countries closed their borders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Passengers seeking refunds will have to await the outcome of the administrative process,” it said, referring to the fact that LIAT is in administration.

However, it said it had completed all the training and regulatory requirements for the territories for the November 30 restart of scheduled flights.

LIAT further highlighted that several new procedures have been implemented to ensure the safety of staff and passengers and to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

“These include the mandatory wearing of masks at check-in, and onboard enhancement in its cleaning and sanitisation protocols and new boarding procedures,” it said.

Back in July, the Antigua High Court appointed Cleveland Seaforth as administrator of the cash-strapped airline, tasking him with the responsibility of reorganising the company by cutting liabilities and realigning expenses.

LIAT owes creditors in excess of EC$100 million (US$37 million).

A month ago, it retrenched workers but has not been able to meet its obligations to them.

LIAT will face increased competition as it resumes service. Since the airline stopped its daily schedule, several other carriers, including SVG Air, One Caribbean Ltd, Caribbean Airlines, InterCaribbean Airways and Air Antilles have sought to fill the void.