LIAT reaches agreement with Caribbean Airlines to service air bridge

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, Mar 20, CMC – The Antigua-based regional airline, LIAT, says it has successfully concluded a commercial agreement with the state-owned Caribbean Airlines (CAL) to operate flights on the Trinidad and Tobago air bridge.
LIAT said that the agreement is as a result of the challenges on the passenger sea bridge between the islands and the increase in capacity needed by Caribbean Airlines which has been requested by the Trinidad and Tobago government.
“We are happy to enter into this agreement with Caribbean Airlines to assist them in providing this integral service,” said LIAT’s chief executive officer, Julie Reifer-Jones, adding that this type of cooperation is an important part of maintaining connectivity.
She said the ATR 72 aircraft, which will be used on the route, will be operated and maintained by LIAT.
Trinidad and Tobago is a shareholder of the cash-strapped LIAT, whose main shareholders are the governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines
The Trinidad and Tobago government has recently acquired a vessel to operate on the sea-bridge amid growing complaints that the service between the two islands has declined significantly.
The new vessel is due in Port of Spain in April.
LIAT has not given any indication as to the duration of the agreement with CAL.