PM Browne: LIAT Eyes Expansion to U.S. Territories Once FAA Category 1 Status is Restored
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says LIAT is preparing to expand into U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, pending the restoration of the Eastern Caribbean’s Category 1 safety rating from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Speaking on his weekly broadcast, Browne explained that the downgrade to Category 2—applied to all OECS countries in 2020—remains the only hurdle preventing LIAT from flying into U.S. airspace. The FAA had cited deficiencies in safety oversight by the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA).
“We can’t go into the U.S. territories until we get Category 1 restored,” Browne said. “We’ve fixed the gaps they identified, and we’re hoping to regain it later this year or early next year.”
In the meantime, LIAT has launched service to Montego Bay, Jamaica, and is eyeing new routes to Colombia and Panama as part of a broader effort to boost regional connectivity and economic growth.
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I admire the vision but seeing all of these new and potential destinations for LIAT (rebranded to Liat Air a few days ago) reminds me of Business 101: Over-expansion too quickly can lead to an inability to manage a business properly. I wish them luck.
@ Westdide
“I wish THEM luck”!!??? Shouldn’t you mean, “I wish US luck.” You are obviously a major part of the problem. Keep your elite aloofness to yourself.
@ Westside
So you wish “them” luck!? Why not wish US luck instead. Exposing your traitor trait, aren’t you or just your vast business book-knowledge. Cho!
@Westside.
Don’t you worry, GB is gonna leave the massive headache for the next administration.. He has his millions, so what do he care about ” over expansion” and wasting social security money on frivolous investment.
Whatever happened to the 100 Plus Seater aircraft that was promised to be delivered by December 2024 or by the first quarter of 2025
@Faithful National #1 or is it Faithful but Irrational?
What got you upset today? Bad day at work? Received a traffic ticket? Dropped your phone in the toilet? Clearly, I don’t care but if I’m “the problem” (whatever you are whining about) then tough shit, go cry some more, fool.
ECCAA needs to stay ahead of these regulatory standards permanently. We can’t afford to let bureaucracy clip the wings of regional airlines like LIAT.
If the gaps are fixed, what’s the holdup? Aviation safety is key, but we can’t keep missing out on economic opportunities because of outdated oversight.
While there have been many challenges in LIAT’s history, this new development shows a clear path forward for LIAT 2020. Hope for a more reliable future!