By Aabigayle McIntosh

There is a strong optimism that a revamped LIAT 2020 could be fully operational within three months.

This assurance follows the conclusion of operations for LIAT 1974 Limited and the solidification of plans between the government of Antigua and Barbuda and Nigeria-based Air Peace Limited.

Development Commissioner Ambassador Daven Joseph stated that they are well underway, expressing the hope that the gap between the closure of LIAT 1974 Limited and the commencement of LIAT 2020 will not widen.

He acknowledged, “We understand the anxiety out there among the traveling public; we understand the tremendous importance of LIAT 1974 Limited to the Caribbean.”

Before LIAT 2020 can obtain an Air Operators Certificate from the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCA), it must have at least one aircraft registered within the region.

Ambassador Joseph provided an update on these efforts, saying, “One will come onstream from Air Peace Caribbean Limited, and three will be operational almost immediately over three months.”

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is waiting to sign off on the purchase. However, plans are progressing concerning the recruitment of staff.

Abdul Salam, Lead on LIAT 2020 at Air Peace Caribbean Limited, announced that job advertisements will be posted this week.

She assured, “We are working with the media houses to ensure that ads go out this week so they can start applying. One of the 1974 employees, we will be publishing that information internally so they can benefit.”