On Monday night, the final flight of LIAT (1974) Ltd. arrived at the VC Bird International Airport, marking the end of an era for the Caribbean airline.

The flight, LI 335, landed at the airport just after 7:00 pm from Tortola and received a water cannon salute upon arrival.

This historic moment was witnessed by airline and senior government officials, who were on hand to bid farewell to the airline that has been serving the Caribbean for over fifty years.

Acting Prime Minister, Sir Steadroy Benjamin, described the occasion as ‘bitter-sweet’ since it marks the end of an airline that has become a household name in the Caribbean, while also heralding the birth of LIAT 2020.

He expressed his appreciation for the dedication and commitment of the staff at LIAT (1974) Ltd., who have demonstrated a high level of professionalism and safety standards throughout the years.

With the birth of LIAT 2020, the Acting Prime Minister assured the public that the new airline will be expanded to provide travel throughout the region with bigger and better planes while at the same time maintaining the high standards that Caribbean people have come to expect and demand.

He also confirmed that Prime Minister Gaston Browne and his government are committed to ensuring that LIAT 2020 remains in the skies, despite his official visit to the People’s Republic of China.

Meanwhile, Capt. Arthur Senhouse, the airline’s Director of Flight Operations, disclosed that the Antigua and Barbuda government is now able to proceed with purchasing an aircraft from the Caribbean Development Bank. This purchase is necessary for LIAT 2020 to attain an Airline Operating Certificate.

He also confirmed that all the shareholder governments of LIAT (1974) Ltd. have sent ‘no objections’ letters to the CDB, which holds a lien on the LIAT (1974) aircraft, thus removing all hurdles from the eventual sale.

Capt. Senhouse further revealed that the CDB and the Antigua and Barbuda government are meeting on Wednesday to discuss the purchase arrangements.

The regional airline, LIAT, had been in administration since July 2020. Its government shareholders, including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Barbados, and St Vincent and the Grenadines, agreed to liquidate the company in 2022.

The Antigua and Barbuda governments have been trying to revive LIAT under a new name, LIAT 2020, with a tentative agreement in place with Nigerian airline Air Peace and its owner, Allen Onyema.

However, last week, LIAT’s administrator, Cleaveland Seaforth, sent a letter to the company’s staff stating that all employees would be made redundant without payment, effective February 4, 2024.

This decision has been criticized by the Antigua and Barbuda Worker’s Union, which plans to take legal action to secure the severance of all former workers.

More than 90 employees are expected to be affected by this decision.