Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne has announced a major step toward launching the new LIAT 2020, with regional shareholder governments agreeing to sell aircraft from the defunct LIAT (1975) Limited, which took its last flight in January 2024, to the newly formed airline.
Browne described the $12.1 million sale of at least three planes to Antigua and Barbuda as “significant”. He anticipates at least another $8 million will be needed to get the aircraft fully operational.
The Caribbean Development Bank has reportedly approved the deal, which now requires court ratification.
This move paves the way for the troubled airline’s transition into new operations in partnership with Air Peace, a private Nigerian airline.
LIAT 2020 could begin flying within 60-90 days according to Browne.