Air Peace sending three aircraft to Antigua soon.

During the 46th meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne provided an update on establishing LIAT 2020, the new regional air service.

PM Browne informed his colleagues that the government is partnering with Air Peace, a Nigerian airline, to set up the service.

The estimated cost of this partnership is US$80 million. As part of the undertaking, Air Peace will fly three aircraft to Antigua soon, joining the other three sourced from the Caribbean Development Bank and leased by LIAT (1974) Ltd.

PM Browne also revealed that Air Peace is helping the government acquire the LIAT (1974) headquarters building and the aircraft it will supply initially.

The first three aircraft that Air Peace will supply are Embraer E-145’s 50-seater aircraft, which are expected to arrive by mid-March. Air Peace has also committed to expanding its fleet as demand dictates, including a jet aircraft in the future.

The plan is to operate LIAT 2020 with six aircraft, three from LIAT (1974) Ltd, through the CDB, and the other three from Air Peace.

PM Browne disclosed that the search for a suitable individual to head the airline is underway, and interviews are being conducted.

The focus now is to acquire the Air Operations Certificate for LIAT 2020, but this is contingent upon the airline’s first acquisition of an aircraft.

PM Browne informed his colleagues that they will meet with the CDB on Wednesday to finalize arrangements for the three planes formerly owned by LIAT (1974) Ltd.