NEW AIRLINE - LIAT 2020 begins commercial flight ops

LIAT 2020 (Antigua) - the new reiteration of now-defunct regional airline LIAT (Antigua and Barbuda) - made its inaugural flight on August 6 with an E145 operated by majority shareholder Air Peace (P4, Lagos), according to ch-aviation research.

The maiden flight between Antigua and St. Lucia Vigie was operated by 5N-BVD (msn 145199), according to ADS-B data. Air Peace dry-leases the 24.72-year-old 50-seater from owner Citibank, according to the ch-aviation fleets module.

LIAT 2020 is a 30/70 joint venture between the government of Antigua & Barbuda and the Nigerian carrier, which is reportedly investing between USD80 million and USD90 million, including the provision of three Embraer E145 jets to support the airline's operations. Another of the E145s has been identified as 23.54-year-old 5N-BXG (msn 145379), also leased from Citibank, ch-aviation fleets data reveals.

Speaking at the launch, Antigua and Barbuda's prime minister, Gaston Browne, announced that the partnership with Air Peace will equip LIAT 2020 with at least seven aircraft, with plans for future expansion as travel demand grows, reported The Trinidad Express.

The fleet also includes three ATR42-600s that were part of the previous LIAT's fleet. The ATR - Avions de Transport Régional turboprops were mortgaged to the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), which has approved their sale from the former LIAT to the government of Antigua and Barbuda. The government has deposited USD12.1 million into an escrow account to facilitate the acquisition of the aircraft from the CDB. Additionally, the government has budgeted XCD30 million East Caribbean dollars (USD11.1 million) for 2024 to ensure LIAT 2020 has the necessary aircraft and operational arrangements.

According to ADS-B data, two of the ATR42s have been stored in Antigua since 2022 and 2023, respectively. One flew in May 2024 between Antigua and St. Lucia but has since remained grounded.

As reported by ch-aviation, LIAT 2020 obtained its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) from the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) in June 2024. The inaugural flight to St. Lucia carried dignitaries, including Browne, who has spearheaded the revival of the debt-free newco.

LIAT 2020 is to operate 3x weekly connections between Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia, and Barbados. Bookings are currently only possible by email or phone as finalisation of the website has encountered technical difficulties, the airline announced on social media.