Business
LIAT struggles to survive
In the meantime, the airline has followed through on a threat to drop non-profitable routes in places where governments have failed to offer market support for the airline. The routes are to Canouan and Tobago.
CEO Brian Challenger said the company has developed a recovery plan, which he hopes would allow it to break even this year, in spite of the challenges. LIAT re-launched a cargo freighter service earlier this year that would allow it to move cargo throughout its network as well as connecting to international freight carriers at Barbados and Antigua.
Additionally, the airline has commenced discussions with the Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP) to put together a programme that would enable members to access discounted travel.
Last month the airline announced plans for a travel and shopping incentive package for St Maarten.
LIAT and St Maarten authorities agreed on the package that would be aimed at lowering the cost of shopping in the Dutch country for regional travellers by offering reduced airfare, discounted shopping and options for discounts in other areas like car rentals, hotel accommodation and restaurants.
A similar package is being explored for Puerto Rico.
LIAT is jointly owned by the governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and St Vincent and the Grenadines.
