LIAT20
 | |||||||
| |||||||
| Founded | 24 July 2020 (replaced LIAT (1974)) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commenced operations | 6 August 2024 | ||||||
| Hubs | V. C. Bird International Airport | ||||||
| Fleet size | 2 | ||||||
| Destinations | 4 | ||||||
| Parent company | Air Peace (70%) Government of Antigua and Barbuda (30%) | ||||||
| Headquarters | Osbourn, Antigua and Barbuda | ||||||
| Key people | Hafsah Abdulsalam (CEO) | ||||||
| Website | https://liat20.com/ | ||||||
LIAT 2020 Limited, operating as LIAT20, or simply LIAT, is an airline of Antigua and Barbuda. The company was preceded by LIAT (1974), and commenced operations on 6 August 2024. LIAT20 is a 30/70 venture between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and Air Peace, and its fleet has been inherited from LIAT (1974) and the latter.[1][2]
History
[edit]The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic led to the liquidation of LIAT (1974) after many unsuccessful months. The company officially ceased operations on January 24, 2024 and laid off more than 90 employees.
LIAT20 was incorporated in Antigua and Barbuda in July 2020, in collaboration with private Nigerian airline Air Peace.[3] Air Peace holds a 70% stake in the company and has been responsible for the leasing of the new Embraer E145s that are being used for the initial routes of the airline. Air Peace and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda invested USD$65 million and USD $20 million respectively.
The airline received the first two of the new Embraer E145s in April 2024 and announced that flights would start within weeks. At the time, inter-island connections were prioritized with the Government looking to revise previous routes of LIAT (1974) such as those to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It was also announced that a larger Embraer E195-E2 would be acquired in the future.[4]
The airline commenced operations on August 6, 2024, with the inaugural flight to Castries, Saint Lucia. It was announced that scheduled service would begin 2 weeks later, on August 19, 2024, on a twice-daily, thrice weekly Antigua-Saint Lucia-Barbados routing. [5]
Destinations
[edit]As of August 2024, the airline operates a limited schedule between Antigua, Saint Lucia and Barbados.
| Country | City | Airport | Notes | Refs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Antigua and Barbuda
|
Osbourn | V.C. Bird International Airport | Hub | [6] |
 Barbados
|
Bridgetown | Grantley Adams International Airport | [6] | |
 Dominica
|
Marigot | Douglas-Charles Airport | [7] | |
 Saint Lucia
|
Castries | George F.L. Charles Airport | [6] |
The airline has indicated interest in flying to the following territories.[6][8]
Antigua and Barbuda: Barbuda Codrington Airport
British Virgin Islands: Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport
Dominica: Douglas-Charles Airport
Grenada: Maurice Bishop International Airport
Guyana: Cheddi Jagan International Airport
Saint Kitts and Nevis: Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport
Saint Vincent: Argyle International Airport
Sint Maarten: Princess Juliana International Airport
Trinidad and Tobago: Piarco International Airport
Fleet
[edit]As of August 2024, the LIAT20 fleet consists of the following aircraft:
| Aircraft | In fleet | Future | Passengers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATR 42-600 | --
|
3
|
48
|
Ex-LIAT (1974) aircraft; not in service[9] |
| Embraer E145 | 2
|
1
|
50
|
Leased from Air Peace[9] |
| Total | 2 | 4 |
References
[edit]- ^ Birns, Hilka (9 August 2024). "Antigua's LIAT 2020 begins commercial flight ops".
- ^ "LIAT 2020 releases first flight schedule". Antigua News Room. 2024-08-11. Retrieved 2024-08-13.
- ^ "'New LIAT could be airborne in weeks'". www.guardian.co.tt. Retrieved 2024-08-17.
- ^ "LIAT 2020 adds two jets to its fleet, moves closer to connecting Caribbean". www.guardian.co.tt. Retrieved 2024-08-17.
- ^ "Saint Lucia Welcomes LIAT20's inaugural flight from Antigua". Saint Lucia - Access Government. Retrieved 2024-08-17.
- ^ a b c d Digital, V. P. (2024-08-14). "LIAT20 Introduces New Chapter in Regional Connectivity". The Voice St. Lucia News. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
- ^ Digital, V. P. (2024-08-31). "Dominica welcomes inaugural flight of LIAT 2020, set to operate regular services". WIC News. Retrieved 2024-09-02.
- ^ "LIAT 2020 to Launch additional routes by September". Antigua News Room. 2024-08-08. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
- ^ a b "LIAT 2020 adds two jets to its fleet, moves closer to connecting Caribbean". www.guardian.co.tt. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
External links
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