By Robert Andre Emmanuel
Tuesday afternoon was another milestone for LIAT 2020 as it welcomed two E-145 jet aircraft, bringing the number of functional planes owned by the new airline to three.
At the old VC Bird International Airport terminal, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Minister of Tourism Charles Fernandez, Minister of Information Melford Nicholas, Air Peace Caribbean Ltd in Antigua CEO Hafsah Abdul-Salam, and Ambassador Daven Joseph alongside other dignitaries watched with pride in their eyes as the two planes received a water cannon salute.
After welcoming the crew who piloted the planes to the island, and receiving an interior tour of what passengers from across the region will soon experience, Ambassador Daven Joseph praised the Prime Minister for staying committed to the regional cause.
“In one stroke, the government of Antigua and Barbuda led by Prime Minister Gaston Browne ensured the vision of collaboration with Africa, the vision of ensuring sustainable connectivity in the region, and vision to ensure the sustainable livelihoods of Antiguans and Barbudans,” Ambassador Joseph remarked.
As the company looks to acquire its crucial air operator’s certificate and return the LIAT brand back to the skies, Ambassador Joseph also thanked Air Peace for its support throughout the challenges. The Nigerian airline, the majority shareholder in LIAT 2020, supplied the two jets.
After the collapse of LIAT 1974 during the Covid-19 pandemic, questions arose across the sub-region over the viability of another airline arising from its ashes with other regional governments hesitant to join Antigua and Barbuda in this push.
However, Prime Minister Browne told the listening audience that while yesterday was a “humbling” moment for him, it was one to celebrate for the nation.
“And when I look at the fact that back in 2020 we had the vision, courage and tenacity to incorporate LIAT 2020 at one of the most difficult periods in Caribbean civilisation and that four years later, we are here celebrating what can be considered the establishment of LIAT 2020, I think that this is a resounding success for Antigua and Barbuda and the Caribbean region,” he expressed.
It was revealed that the two planes will not be the only aircraft to serve the new LIAT airline; a forthcoming 128-seater aircraft was also announced to be in the works.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister reiterated that the government is ready to negotiate directly with former LIAT 1974 staff, putting a mechanism in place to ensure that its 32 percent offer of severance is paid.
“However, it will require the maturity of the staff to look beyond the partisan politics of the union and to negotiate directly with our government so we can make those funds available to you in whatever combination of cash, bonds and land,” he said.
The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union has been fighting for full severance on behalf of ex-employees.
Air Peace Caribbean Ltd in Antigua CEO Hafsah Abdul-Salam expressed her gratitude to the LIAT 2020 team for their work getting the company to where it is today.
“Thank you to the LIAT 2020 team; majority of them are ex-LIAT service people…and at the moment, we are just now planning, racing to get those aircraft back in the air for you…[and] our commitment as LIAT 2020 will be to provide the type of service that you will be expecting from us,” she said.