Cabinet pushing Transshipment Expansion for Antigua and Barbuda

Plans are in the works to enhance the transshipment reach of Antigua and Barbuda.

In the latest Cabinet notes it was revealed that a proposal was approved to deepen collaboration between international logistics partners Southern Air and Seven Air, as part of a strategic plan to position Antigua as a central air and maritime logistics hub for the Eastern Caribbean and beyond.

Cabinet Spokesperson Maurice Merchant explained that further assessments will be made regarding finding an operating facility on the island.

“Cabinet suggested that the individuals of this grouping meet with officials of the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority to see whether or not the old VC Bird International Airport provides space for the expansion of their business. So that is being looked at later this week and into next week and we will hear further on that issue.”

“They are also pursuing strategic fuel costs and tariff concessions to ensure Antigua remains competitive in the regional logistics sector fuel costs in terms of jet fuel”, Merchant said.

Renovations have been ongoing at the old terminal for home porting but Merchant clarified that it will be used for both homeporting and transshipment.

This decision follows recent successful charter operations between Miami and Antigua, led by the Extreme Group — affiliate of Southern Air and Seven Air — which has demonstrated capacity and interest in scaling up regional logistics through expanded air freight, port operations, and warehousing services.

The plan presented to Cabinet by the local company Extreme Group and Southern Air and Seven Air includes strengthening Antigua’s position as a transshipment hub for vehicles, cargo, and agricultural exports.

Exploring logistics links between Antigua, the OECS, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Colombia and parts of South America. Developing infrastructure such as cold storage facilities and additional warehouse space to support increased cargo throughput; and pursuing strategic fuel cost and tariff concessions to ensure Antigua remains competitive in the regional logistics sector.

The Cabinet also noted the potential for this initiative to benefit local industries, including agriculture, fisheries, and manufacturing, by creating improved export routes, enabling smaller importers to operate efficiently, and supporting job creation in logistics, aviation, and port services.

In support of this vision, the Government will engage relevant departments, including the Ministry of Aviation, Customs, and the Antigua Port Authority, to coordinate infrastructure and policy support.

They will also facilitate lease discussions for expansion at key cargo terminals. Collaborate with the private sector on investment in storage and handling solutions and continue dialogue with Extreme Group, Southern Air and Seven Air to finalise operational needs and long-term partnership agreements.