LIAT 2020 Nears Air Operator Certification with Successful Demonstration Flights

LIAT 2020, the airline set to continue the legacy of the now-defunct LIAT (Antigua and Barbuda), is approaching the final stages of receiving its air operator certificate (AOC). The carrier has recently conducted successful demonstration flights using an ATR42-600, signaling that its operational readiness is imminent.

According to ADS-B data, the ATR42-600 with registration V2-LIG, which belonged to the original LIAT fleet, undertook two test flights from Antigua on April 6 and 7. This aircraft was notably the last active turboprop conducting inter-island Caribbean routes for LIAT until its operations ceased in January 2024.

The demonstration flights are part of the fourth and penultimate phase of the certification process, as reported by Antigua News Room, quoting LIAT 2020’s interim chairman, Davin Joseph. These efforts underscore the airline’s push towards reinstating services and enhancing regional connectivity.

Further bolstering LIAT 2020’s fleet, regional shareholder governments from the defunct LIAT have agreed to sell at least three ATR aircraft to the new entity. The government of Antigua has committed USD 12.1 million into an escrow account for the purchase of these planes, owned by the Caribbean Development Bank.

Additionally, LIAT 2020 is establishing a significant partnership with Nigerian carrier Air Peace, which is a part of a 30/70 joint venture with the government of Antigua and Barbuda. Air Peace plans to invest up to USD 80 million in the venture and will provide three Embraer E145 aircraft to LIAT 2020. Recent images circulating on social media and reported by St Vincent Times have shown an Air Peace E145 in the new LIAT 2020 livery.

As LIAT 2020 moves closer to its operational launch, the Antigua Commercial Bank is also set to auction 1.1 hectares of land formerly owned by LIAT near Antigua airport, along with other assets, on April 29. This move is part of broader efforts to resolve the defunct airline’s outstanding obligations and pave the way for the new carrier’s successful debut.