PM Browne reports to CARICOM Heads on $200 million partnership between Government and Air Peace

After constant calls for the Government’s deal with the Nigerian
airline Air Peace to be uncovered, Prime Minister Gaston Browne
has told his regional colleagues that the partnership agreement is in
the region of over EC$200 million.

Browne made the disclosure at the 46th  CARICOM Heads of
Government meeting, at which time he updated his colleagues on
the progress of LIAT 2020.

This new carrier is expected to fill the void in regional air travel that
has been left by LIAT (1974) Ltd., which took its last flight in
January.

The prime minister claims the partnership agreement between the
Government and the Nigerian company is estimated at US$80
million, which is in the region of EC$208 million.

While the Browne Administration is seeking to purchase three
aircraft from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), it is alleged
that Air Peace will be providing, from its own fleet, three Embraer E-
145 50-seater aircraft by mid-March.

According to Browne, Air Peace will also be assisting in acquiring
the LIAT (1974) headquarters and initial aircraft, since the plan is to
run LIAT 2020 with six planes: three from each partner. He adds
that there is a possibility of expanding the fleet.

Meanwhile, the Government is yet to secure an Air Operations
Certificate, since it first needs an aircraft to do so. Therefore,
successful negotiations with the CDB to acquire one of the LIAT
(1974) Ltd. leased aircraft are vital.

In the meantime, reports say the prime minister is expected to meet
with the CDB to conclude arrangements for the purchase of the
three planes formerly owned by the defunct carrier.

Further, recruitment to fill leadership roles with the new LIAT 2020
is supposedly ongoing.