LIAT 2020 Takes Flight: A New Chapter for Caribbean Aviation

Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne has heralded the new era of LIAT 2020, a regional airline designed to strengthen air travel across the Caribbean. The airline marked a significant milestone this week with its inaugural flight to Guyana, a key move in its strategic expansion. Speaking at the event, Browne assured the public that LIAT 2020 is not just a continuation of the former LIAT (1974), but a far more robust and well-capitalized entity.

“This new venture represents nearly EC$200 million (roughly US$74 million) in investments, ensuring that LIAT 2020 is the most financially secure airline in the region,” Browne emphasized. The airline’s improved financial standing offers reassurance to Caribbean travelers and businesses, following the bankruptcy of the previous LIAT earlier this year.

LIAT 2020 is a joint venture between the government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Nigerian airline, Air Peace. The partnership is seen as a crucial step in ensuring the airline’s long-term sustainability and growth. Air Peace has committed almost US$65 million to the project, while Antigua and Barbuda’s government has invested US$20 million. In addition, the government has placed US$12.1 million in escrow for the acquisition of aircraft previously owned by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

The government’s strategic investment aims to create a stronger, more reliable airline capable of meeting the needs of the growing Caribbean market. Browne also noted that the partnership with Air Peace opens the door for expanded international connectivity. In the coming year, the airline plans to introduce a larger 125-seat aircraft, further strengthening its regional and transatlantic network.

The ceremony also featured remarks from Guyana’s Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill, who underscored the importance of LIAT 2020’s arrival in Guyana. “Since 2020, Guyana’s aviation sector has seen remarkable growth, driven by strategic investments in infrastructure and the country’s rising global economic profile,” Edghill said.

With eight weekly flights to Guyana, LIAT 2020 is poised to add 796 additional seats to the market, significantly improving air travel options. Edghill emphasized that the demand for reliable and predictable air services has never been greater. “The people of Guyana, the business community, and the tourism sector all want three things: predictability, reliability, and consistency,” he said. “We want to ensure that when we show up at the airport, we can depend on getting our flight—just like anywhere else in the world.”

The arrival of LIAT 2020 in Guyana is just the beginning. With its expanded fleet and improved operational efficiency, the airline is set to become a pivotal player in the Caribbean aviation landscape, helping to foster economic growth and regional connectivity.

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