By Aabigayle McIntosh

The possibility of LIAT 2020 resuming its flights in a matter of weeks has been assured by a government official, pending a smooth progression of the process.

Lionel Max Hurst, the Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister, has clarified that part of the challenge was linked to LIAT 2020’s requirement to obtain an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), for which the Antigua-based carrier needed to possess at least one aircraft.

Hurst further explained that efforts were underway to acquire an aircraft, including options to secure those previously owned by the Caribbean Development Bank and jointly owned by Caribbean nations.

“If we can get a consensus on those things then I think we will see before Christmas LIAT back in the invested interest in LIAT,” Hurst said.

Nigeria’s largest private airline, Air Peace, is on the verge of acquiring a controlling stake in the Antigua-based carrier and intends to enhance its operations by adding more aircraft to its fleet.