ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – TWO of the region’s largest air travel companies, LIAT (1974) Ltd. and Caribbean Airlines (CAL) have begun talks for closer cooperation that would improve inter-regional travel.
According to a joint news release from Antigua-based LIAT and Trinidad-based Caribbean Airlines, high-ranking officials for both companies met last week to explore the nature and extent of LIAT and CAL cooperation in the best interests of the Caribbean region.
The release reads, “The discussions centred around the critical role of air transportation services in the socio-economic development of the region, in particular the Commonwealth Caribbean, and the need to improve communications both between Caribbean states and with the wider world with which they do business.”
All three of LIAT’s shareholder prime ministers: Antigua and Barbuda’s Hon. Baldwin Spencer, Barbados’ Hon. David Thompson and St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves were present for what was described as “cordial and productive” talks.
LIAT Chairman, Jean Holder, other directors of the Board, the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Brian Challenger and members of the Executive management staff were also present at the talks.
On behalf of CAL, Chairman Arthur Lok Jack attended the meeting along with three other company officials, including Captain Ian Brunton, CEO of CAL.
While the nature of the “closer collaboration” is not yet known, the meeting ended with agreement between the parties to put measures in place immediately for further direct discussions between the management of CAL and LIAT.
Details of further talks are expected to be made public as both regional companies discuss the way forward to a better air travel in the Caribbean.
