Fernandez Says Antigua Preparing for Critical Aviation Audit, Notes Category 1 Depends on ECCAA-Wide Compliance
Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Charles “Max” Fernandez says Antigua and Barbuda is preparing for a major international aviation audit in January, warning that the country must be ready to protect its current standing and continue its push toward achieving a coveted Category 1 safety rating.
Speaking during the Budget Debate, Fernandez said the Ministry of Civil Aviation, through the Air Transport Licensing Board, continues to work closely with the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) to ensure Antigua and Barbuda meets all international standards, safety requirements, and ICAO-mandated oversight practices.
“We have a very important upcoming audit in January. And so we have to make sure that we are ready so we don’t lose our Category Two status as it stands. And we are aiming for Category One, unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you look at it,” he told Parliament.
Fernandez explained that Antigua and Barbuda’s progress toward Category 1 is closely tied to the regulatory framework shared by the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States. Because ECCAA is responsible for safety oversight across all member territories, a Category 1 upgrade can only be secured if every state under its jurisdiction meets the required standard.
“To attain Category 1, all of the islands in the OECS who are part of [ECCAA] all have to come up to the level. So even if we’re right up there, we have to ensure that all of the islands work in tangent to be right up there with us,” he said.
The minister said the increased air traffic flowing through VC Bird International Airport places added responsibility on Antigua and Barbuda to strengthen safety, security, and operational readiness. He noted earlier in his presentation that the airport had previously been “grossly understaffed” and that upgrades, training, and expanded personnel were part of the government’s effort to ensure the country remains competitive within the regional aviation network.
“With the amount of traffic we have coming through, we need to ensure that we’re right up there in terms of security at our airport,” he said.
Fernandez also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects—including the US $50 million runway rehabilitation project and a new digital modernization programme—to show that Antigua and Barbuda is actively improving its aviation environment ahead of the audit.
The minister said the government is confident but vigilant, noting that Antigua’s individual progress is not enough without parallel compliance across the ECCAA system. The upcoming audit, he added, is crucial for safeguarding Antigua’s rating and maintaining the country’s attractiveness to international carriers.
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