TORTOLA — British Virgin Islands officials are celebrating the relaunch of LIAT Airlines following its inaugural flight earlier this month, boosting air traffic in the territory.
According to a released statement, LIAT Airlines 2020 Ltd., which will operate as LIAT20 or LIAT, will reconnect the BVI with the rest of the Eastern Caribbean, marking the fourth airline to do so in the last two months.
The Trinidad and Tobago-based Caribbean Airlines began service on Oct. 14. That airlines joined Inter Caribbean and St. Martin-based Winair as regionwide airlines serving the territory.
According to the released statement from the BVI government, the new LIAT is a 30 percent/70 percent venture between the government of Antigua and Barbuda and Air Peace, whose fleet has been inherited from the former LIAT company that first began serving the Caribbean in 1974 from its home-base of Antigua.
LIAT made its inaugural flight to the BVI’s Terrance B. Lettsome Airport on the evening of Dec. 8, marking a significant milestone in enhancing regional connectivity, according a statement from the BVI government.
The flight to the BVI symbolizes a renewed commitment to providing reliable and affordable air travel across the Caribbean, the release stated.
“The return of LIAT to our skies is a testament to our resilience and determination to improve connectivity in our region,” Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer said. “This new route will not only benefit tourists but also our local businesses and communities.”
BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley said the new service celebrates not just the arrival of LIAT Airlines but also the strengthening of BVI’s connections within the Caribbean.
“This service is vital for fostering economic growth and enhancing the cultural exchange among our islands,” he said.
LIAT Chief Executive Officer Hafsah Abdulsalam said the company was excited about the relaunch.
“Our focus is on providing reliable services that meet the needs of travelers while promoting regional tourism,” she said.
LIAT is operating daily flights with an introductory one-way fare starting at $99, available for a limited time.
BVI Airports Authority Managing Director Kurt Menal, said that a collaborative effort made LIAT’s service to the BVI possible.
“The partnership between LIAT and our local authorities has been instrumental in making this inaugural flight a reality,” he said. “We look forward to welcoming more visitors and enhancing our airport’s operations.”
Theodore Burke, chairman of BVI Airports Authority Board, also praised the added service from LIAT, noting it “represents a significant step forward in improving air travel options for our residents and visitors alike.”
“It is a crucial component in our strategy to boost tourism and economic activity in the BVI,” he said.
