New LIAT to expand beyond Caribbean — PM Browne

Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne has unveiled ambitious plans for LIAT’s expansion, including potential flights to Panama and Miami, while dismissing concerns about competition from new airlines.

Five years after taking over ownership of the cash-strapped LIAT (1974) Ltd, replacing it with LIAT2020 in partnership with Nigerian carrier Air Peace, Browne insisted that the LIAT remains the backbone of regional air travel and pledged continued efforts to keep the airline flying.

On the sidelines of the CARICOM summit on Thursday, Browne reinforced to reporters St John’s commitment to strengthening intra-regional transport, both by securing LIAT’s future and pushing for a long-overdue regional ferry system.

Asked about reports of a potential new regional airline, Browne said he was unaware of any new developments but was unconcerned, maintaining that LIAT’s reliability and deep regional integration give it an unmatched advantage.

“Airlines come and airlines go. We know that LIAT is a constant. So, if you’re talking about reliability, LIAT will always be there. And we are committed to ensuring that we keep LIAT in the sky,” he said.

Browne confirmed that LIAT2020 currently has four aircraft in the schedule with two more expected to come online soon, bringing the total to six.

A seventh aircraft should be added later this year, allowing LIAT to expand beyond the Caribbean.

“We expect to pursue extra-regional flights, probably to Panama and maybe into Miami as well when we resume the Category 1 status,” he said.

Category 1 status, awarded by the US Federal Aviation Administration, indicates that a country’s civil aviation authority complies with International Civil Aviation Organisation safety standards, allowing its airlines to operate direct flights to the United States.

Despite LIAT’s progress, questions remain about its financial sustainability and regional support.

Antigua and Barbuda has shouldered much of the burden for the airline’s revival, with Browne previously urging other CARICOM nations, including Barbados, to invest more in keeping LIAT afloat. The airline collapsed In July 2020 after Barbados and St Vincent and the Grenadines voted in favour of liquidating the airline, while Antigua and Barbuda sought to reorganise it.

Following a meeting in 2020, both Bridgetown and Kingstown agreed to transfer their shares to St John’s for a nominal sum, effectively withdrawing from ownership.

Browne also addressed the long-delayed regional ferry service, acknowledging repeated setbacks but noting its importance for trade, travel, and regional integration.

“Sea transportation is quintessential to the movement of goods, and even to people as well,” he declared. “We want to see a situation in which we have these ferries, where Caribbean citizens can travel easily between countries, even drive their vehicles across borders.”

While St John’s is not one of the ports involved in the ferry discussions, Browne stressed that all CARICOM nations stand to benefit from improved maritime connectivity.

He proposed using funds from the European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the Caribbean to finance the ferry project, rather than relying solely on national budgets.

“Up to today, Antigua and Barbuda recommended that we should utilise the proceeds [from the EPA], not necessarily for national initiatives, but to look at the common areas of need within CARICOM, including transportation and renewable energy,” he said.

He argued that redirecting EPA funds could provide the necessary financing to finally make the regional ferry service a reality.