The troubled regional airline LIAT routinely sends out press releases
about pilot strikes, incidents aboard its planes, and other mishaps. But it had some good news to report this week: The company is getting eight new planes.
The first of eight turboprop ATR 72-600s arrived Sunday at Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport at a ceremony that included representatives of the airline and ministers from the Antigua and Barbuda government.
The planes will “modernise” LIAT’s fleet with aircraft that are more fuel-efficient, saving the company money that can be used for other improvements, officials said.
“By progressively replacing its current fleet of former turboprop aircraft with the modern and fuel-efficient ATRs, the airline will significantly reduce operating and maintenance costs, gain further in profitability, and offer more comfort to its passengers due to its enhanced seats design,” a LIAT press release stated.
Because most of LIAT’s routes are shorter than 100 nautical miles, the newer version of the ATR-72 is a good fit, LIAT CEO Ian Brunton said in the release.
See the June 20, 2013 edition for full coverage.