Tourism and Civil Aviation Sectors in the region are making significant moves to ensure there is alternative transport in the face of the possible demise of regional airline LIAT, which has served the region for more than 40 years.
LIAT, which has for years experienced financial and other challenges, was hard hit by Covid-19, which forced countries in the region to shut their borders.
During a recent interview, Prime Minister, Dr Rt. Hon Keith Mitchell said the regional Tourism and Civil Aviation sectors are “deep in discussion with Caribbean Airlines (CAL) to take up some of the slack. They have indicated they have additional aircraft now, so expect to see some serious movement with Caribbean Airlines.”
Grenada’s Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation says from Friday, 24 July, Caribbean Airlines will fly between Grenada and Barbados, with connections to St Lucia and Dominica. Some flights will also go via St Vincent into Barbados.
Dr Mitchell also said the Turks and Caicos based interCaribbean Airways is showing tremendous interest in the region.
Following successful discussions, the airline was issued an operating permit by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation. interCaribbean Airways has indicated that systems are being put in place to commence flights on 1 August 2020.
SVG Air meanwhile, plans to introduce service using a twin otter, between Grenada/St Vincent/Barbados, to provide connections to the larger islands. Both of these regional and domestic services will commence on 22 July 2020. “So, there is a combination of opportunities that will be available to ensure that we do not just replace what LIAT was bringing if it does not return, but to have expanded opportunities,” Dr Mitchell said.
In addition to increased air transport opportunities, Dr Mitchell said Grenada will soon join other regional countries that have reduced taxes on airline tickets to encourage greater intra-regional travel. The Prime Minister has consistently called for the reduction of taxes and other measures that would make it easier for people to travel.
GIS
It’s said that when construction booms, the economy booms because of the the spin off from employment like carpenters , masons , tilers, electrictions etc.Regional travel can and will do the same for us in things like restaurants , hotels, hired cars and taxi etc. Therefore Reduce taxes and encourage Regional Travel. It’s to the benefit of all regional governments.
I’m stranded in saint lucia for 4 months and I have my kids in sint maarten I need to get home to my 3 daughters
I see the Governments are now thinking of reducing taxes or have reduced taxes. Why did not do this earlier when the travelling public have been asking for thos for so long.
Maybe if the taxes had been reduced earlier Liat would still have been viable and added to the other airlines providing better service to the region.
What the regions need are competitive airlines like larger countries, rather than an island airline. Regionally run airlines with governments offering subsidised tax breaks to the airlines, will presents itself faverable to tourists looking to travel between islands as well as locals. Airlines in the Caribbean should be competitive in order to help make the cost of flying more affordable, especially for locals, and tourists alike. It’s not that important for Antigua, Barbados, St. Vincent, or who ever else to have their own airline. None of the airlines in America belongs to the government, but the owners operate them competitively in favor of their customers. That’s what’s needed!
I am stranded in St. Maarten (Dutch side) been here over five months ofcourse I’ve lost my credit with Liat but at this point I just need to go home. I miss my family Liat is definitely a waste and in future I hope never to fly with them again
No mention of Antigua and I’m sure we know why…. This is troubling… life must go on, time is money… we can’t keep waiting on LIAT