LIAT’s Closure on Jan 24, Marks End of an Era, Antigua Leads Resurrection Efforts
The regional airline LIAT, currently grappling with financial challenges, is set to cease its operations in its existing form on January 24, 2024. Cleveland Seaforth, the court-appointed administrator for LIAT, communicated this decision in a recent letter to the staff, marking the end of an era for the Antigua-based airline.
Seaforth’s announcement indicated that the cessation of commercial operations will result in more than 90 employees facing redundancy without immediate compensation. However, he assured that efforts would be made to fulfill the company’s obligations towards severance, vacation pay, retroactive pay, and any outstanding salaries.
LIAT, owned by the governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines, has faced numerous challenges. Despite these, it has maintained essential connectivity across several regional destinations with a reduced operational scope and limited staff.
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, revealed plans for LIAT’s revival during his country’s national budget presentation. The restructuring initiative envisions LIAT returning to regional skies under a new operation, LIAT 2020 Ltd, with the involvement of Air Peace, a Nigerian airline. This venture is backed by an estimated EC$30 million investment from the Antigua and Barbuda government to ensure LIAT 2020 Ltd is fully equipped for safe and efficient service.
Despite the airline’s current predicament, Browne emphasized LIAT’s critical role in Caribbean connectivity and expressed optimism about its future. He drew parallels between the nation’s resilience in overcoming past adversities and LIAT’s potential for a stronger and more sustainable future.
As LIAT prepares to wind down its current operations, Seaforth expressed gratitude to the employees for their contributions and committed to striving for the best outcomes regarding their dues. The airline’s journey, marked by both trials and triumphs, now looks towards a new chapter with a renewed vision for regional travel.
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