BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - CASH-STRAPPED regional airline LIAT took to the skies yesterday (Nov. 1) in its first flight in over seven months with the LI 401 from the VC Bird International Airport to Dominica’s Douglas Charles Airport.
According to the airline, the flight departed Antigua at 4:00 p.m. and arrived at Douglas Charles Airport at 4:45 p.m., while the return flight, LIAT 402, departed Dominica at 5:00 p.m. and arrived at V. C. Bird International Airport at 5: 45 p.m.
The two flights form part of a large scaled-down schedule by the airline that will see it providing a limited operation due to the lower than expected demand, along with the ongoing administration.
“LIAT will operate a limited schedule of flights when it launches its commercial schedule later in November which will return connectivity to its network which was impacted by the shutdown. The airline is currently completing all the training and regulatory requirements for the territories it will be flying to,” the airline said in a statement yesterday.
The airline is expected to release its limited schedule later this week, which will see several unprofitable routes being completely removed.
“Also, several new procedures will be implemented to ensure the safety of passengers as well as reduce the risk of transmission of COVID. These include the mandatory wearing of masks at check-in and onboard, enhancement in its cleaning and sanitisation protocols, and new boarding procedure,” the airline added.
LIAT is currently under administration and is being restructured to improve its viability and sustainability following a decision by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to reorganise the airline.
Concerns are being raised over whether the airline would be flying to St. Kitts and Nevis, and whether those passengers with credits would be able to utilise them outside of the COVID-19 period.
