LIAT newco close to launch; to add E145s

LIAT 2020 Ltd will begin scheduled passenger flights in the Caribbean within the next two months, said Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne during the 46th regular meeting of CARICOM leaders.

First reported by the Caribbean Media Corporation, Browne said he is optimistic about the new carrier and that “significant progress” has been made, including an agreement for Antigua and Barbuda to purchase the three ATR42-600s previously operated by the now inactive LIAT (Antigua and Barbuda) (Antigua). Nigeria’s Air Peace (P4, Lagos) will also send three E145s within the next two weeks and could add more airframes if demand deems it necessary.

However, the startup has not obtained its Air Operator's Certificate yet, which could derail its launch date.

Gaston Browne also said Antigua and Barbuda will invest about USD25 million in the new carrier, and Air Peace will become the majority shareholder by investing between USD80-90 million in the venture.

“It shows the commitment of Antigua and Barbuda to regional connectivity, and I am hoping that this entity will help us address regional connectivity,” said Browne.

LIAT 1974 Ltd. had three ATR42-600s in its fleet, V2-LID (msn 1006), V2-LIF (msn 1008), and V2-LIG (msn 1009). The latter remained active until January 22, operating the last flight for the bankrupt carrier. V2-LIF’s last flight was over two years ago, and V2-LID stopped flying in June 2023.

The ch-aviation fleets module shows that Air Peace’s fleet comprises 29 in-house aircraft, including seven B737-300s, five B737-500s, one B777-200ER, two B777-300s, one Do328-300, eight E145s, and five E195-E2s. It also wet-leases two A320-200s from SmartLynx Airlines Malta (2N, Malta International) and two B737-700s from Eznis Airways (MG, Ulaanbaatar).