LIAT signs deal with ATR

An ATR-42 600

Regional airline LIAT and aircraft manufacturer ATR have announced they have signed an agreement for the purchase, by the carrier, of three 48-seat ATR-42-600s.

The deal also includes options for two 68-seat ATR 72-600, and is valued at over US$ 100 million.

The first new aircraft will be delivered to LIAT in June this year.

For some time now, the majority shareholders of LIAT have been thinking of expanding the airline’s aging fleet and in July 2012, at a meeting in Barbados, they decided which aircraft type will be used.

Despite the decision the airline remained tight-lipped on the type and manufacturer of the new aircrafts.

Thursday’s announcement is the first time the manufacturer is being made public.

“With the arrival of these aircraft from ATR, plus additional ATR -600s under discussion from leasing companies, LIAT will progressively replace its current fleet of former turboprop aircraft,” both companies said in a release on Thursday.

Commenting on the deal Chief Executive Officer of LIAT, Ian Brunton, said the airline is pleased to be part of the ATR family which he said has proven to be efficient in performance “on the type of routes we propose.”

“The aircraft of our modern fleet will feature the most advanced cabin interiors and standards of comfort, while being extremely respectful of the environment, a matter of considerable concern to us at LIAT,” Brunton stated.

Late last year Dominica finalized its status with LIAT with a $3-million ‘contribution’ and attended a shareholders meeting for the first time in Barbados.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said the  government’s investment in the airline is a way of safeguarding and protecting the island’s tourism industry.

ATR is based in Toulouse, France.

Specifications of the ATR 42-600:

-Passenger capacity: 46 to 50 seats
-Engines: Pratt & Whitney 127M
-Maximum take-off power: 2400 horsepower per engine
-Maximum take-off weight: 18,600 kg
-Maximum load: 5,500 kg
-Maximum flight range when fully loaded: 800 nautical miles (1,483 km)

Interior of the new aircraft

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55 Comments

  1. Fitzroy W. Lawrence
    January 18, 2013

    Hurah for LIAT, I think is a move that is long overdue, understanably so. In the days of tight economy around the world, this seems to be a sound investment by the shareholders. I would hesitate to patronize LIAT on my way from NYC to Roseau, as long as we don’t stop in Antigua. That’s the reason why I use American Eagle, but with that service scheduled to be terminated in March of this year, it would be somewhat asuring if LIAT could pick up that route. I have a question: Is LIAT a publicly traded company? Do they offer shares to the public? I would invest in their stocks and bonds if they did. Frankly, it would also be nice if the majority of the fleet were the ATR 72s, supplimented by the ATR 42s.

  2. Da girl
    January 18, 2013

    New plane higher prices. For the price not even a mint liat offers. I am disappointed

  3. BURN
    January 18, 2013

    all this talk about international airport is true, but we all know the reason why there isn’t any international the chinese told them no hur hur… instead they updating the melville hall airport…. imagine it is cheaper to fly from new york to grenada and then to dominica than to fly from ny to dominica hur hur… anyways best way out for dominica is to convert melville hall into an internaitonal airport….

  4. MewMew
    January 17, 2013

    ATRs are quite reliable and offer larger seating capacity. American Eagle has been flying ATRs into Melville Hall for the last decade and more. Good move by LIAT.

  5. Sandman
    January 17, 2013

    My wife and I have been coming to Dominica from Canada for 5 years. We love the land and the people.
    My view would be to consider an International Airport over fleets of aircraft although they are needed.
    As I hold a pilot”s license I would have considered Bombardier or Boeing. The ATR series are good aircraft but are troubled with icing problems, and the tendency to nose up if not loaded properly.
    These are problems that can be over come but must be given attention.
    The training is critical as they don’t fly like the current LIAT craft.
    I look forward to the flights and hope for safety.

  6. jeanmarie
    January 17, 2013

    way airlines tickets going up we lol

  7. UK Dominican Bwoi
    January 17, 2013

    This is good news, but all I really want to read on here one day is ‘Dominica building international airport’. I live in the UK & I love Dominica, however, getting there is stressful & tiring and too long. Since Dominica doesn’t have an international airport, there’s two ways to get to Dominica from the UK. 1) Get a plane to Antigua (or another island) & then wait LONG HOURS for a LIAT to go to Dominica, many times your luggage won’t even arrive to Dominica because they got lost in Antigua or whatever.

    The other way to get to Dominica is getting a coach/train/plane to France, & then from France get a plane to Guadeloupe or Martinique, & then wait for a plane or boat to Dominica. This way is long too.

    A lot of people think having an international airport in Dominica is pointless because they don’t have that much tourists compared to some of the other islands, but trust me, that isn’t true & I know that because of what people in the UK & US say. Because Dominica doesn’t have an international airport, people have to get two or more planes to get there (Americans have to go to Puerto Rico first for example). Having to go to a airport in your country, then get a plane to another, and then finally get ANOTHER plane to reach Dominica.. It’s too long & tiring, a lot of people hate it. Also, we have to pay for more than one airplane, but if Dominica had an international airport, the price to get to Dominica would be cheaper for us, & Dominica would see more tourists coming to the island.

    I remember when I was about 7 years old & I went to Dominica, my sister and some of my cousins bag didn’t even arrive in Dominica, so we had to share clothes for two weeks (that’s how long our bags took to come to Dominica). None of this wouldn’t have happened if Dominica had their own international airport.

    Yes, LIAT having a bigger plane could possibly be a good thing for the Caribbean region, but for us West Indians in Europe or America for example, it wouldn’t make any difference at all to us because we still have to go through a long process to get to Dominica. This is all I have to say for now.

    • Mystical
      January 18, 2013

      I agree. If the marketting is done right Dominica could well become the new destination for spring break and other bored british & US students during their term breaks. Instead of going to Ibiza they’d come to dominica.

      With Ross university undertaking it’s own housing projects right now landlords really require the business.

    • Anthony P. Ismael
      January 18, 2013

      Why can’t our government and citizens comprehend clear logical thinking such as yours? Sitting here in North America, I cringe with the ticket prices to vacation at home. A trip for a family of four cost some $3200.00-$3600.00. Not including car rental or any other activities.
      Unfortunately, stakeholders and tourism officials in Dominica do not understand global economics. For that price, Jamaica is a far better option for me, when I desire a Caribbean vacation. Round trip tickets for a family of four cost $1600.00. This is a major difference comapred to what it cost to fly home at the moment.

    • Jay
      January 18, 2013

      If you must travel from London, try to go via Barbados instead of Antigua. Not only are the flights from the U.K. more frequent but you may also get a lower fare if you shop around. barbados has an efficient airport, far more customer friendly than Antigua and with the new evening flights to Melville Hall you will arrive in Dominica the same day. Good luck.

  8. Job
    January 17, 2013

    Half of Liat’s ticket price is local country tax. If each island government were not so short-sighted about this, air fares would be cheaper and more people would be encouraged to travel. It’s easy to criticize Liat and less easy to support and encourage them because they are forced to operate on a shoestring budget with an ageing fleet. I think we should all get behind Liat and lobby our governments to reduce their tax burden (and consequently the price we and visitor pay to travel). It’s heart-warming to see Liat making progress with new aircraft.

    • Malgraysa
      January 18, 2013

      Hear, hear. What are we getting for that tax? If you leave Dominica by ferry you must pay departure tax and we are discriminating against foreigners, who are charged more. You think that really makes them feel wanted? If you leave Guadeloupe or Martinique with the same ferry you pay no tax. Is that smart? Also, in other countries airport tax is included in the ticket price. But no, not in Dominica. You must go to a separate counter, after checking in to pay that tax. That is not the next level but a backward step.

    • Anthony P. Ismael
      January 18, 2013

      In 2013 they are purchasing a few ATRs. That’s quite a bit of progress. Really? They need a few narrow body and wide-body jets capable of servicing the American market.

  9. Hmm
    January 17, 2013

    Dat can land in d/cA?

    • lulz
      January 18, 2013

      iz de same type plane american eagle using so yeah

  10. Angela
    January 17, 2013

    That does not benefit me coming from the United States because i still have to pay for baggage again, after transferring from a different airline.

    Also,Will Liat have direct flights from San Juan as of April 1st?

    If we still have to transit in Antigua and go through security again and bags, that is a huge inconvenience.

  11. Brooklyn New york
    January 17, 2013

    Will there be more flights per day into Dominica? This would be a relief; as presently there are so few flights arriving and departing. Hope this transpires soon into reality. Great steps forward in the right direction. Keep it up.

  12. Anthony P. Ismael
    January 17, 2013

    Great choice of aircraft. I have flown the ATRs many times before and it is very reliable. Hopefully, a narrow body jet will be added to the fleet soon. Unfortunately our airport still stinks.

  13. rescue 911
    January 17, 2013

    i dont care what people say about liat but i rather fly liat than american airlines/eagle.i traveled from ny to barbados to dominica and when i board liat it was much more convenient.more foot space .just imagine being on american airlines and u sitting by the window and u have to go to the bathroom while the two othere people next to u are asleep.wats more uncomfortable than that.and lets watch it visi.you are the one at the end .give me liat at the time

  14. Anonymous
    January 17, 2013

    nice plane :)

  15. Channel 1
    January 17, 2013

    LIAT acquire some new Dash-8 also nah.

    Since the current LIAT fleet is primarily Dash-8 aircraft less money will have to be spent in training the crews to handle the ATRs and getting new equipment to manage the running of the ATRs.

  16. January 17, 2013

    progressive progress maybe?

    • budman
      January 18, 2013

      is there another kind of progress?

  17. Penvile Voice
    January 17, 2013

    I hope that buying of new air planes result in cheaper air fees.

  18. for it
    January 17, 2013

    This is a very good move for LIAT, and the Caribbean Islands. I was reading an article from the government of St. Vincent, he said by the end of 2013 LIAT will be looking at jets, expanding their fleets to North America, South America and Europe. He also said he want SVG to be the hub for international flight in the regions. I think that will be a good move? It will help eliminated the delay through Antiqua…

    • Malatete
      January 17, 2013

      “Looking” at jets maybe the operational word and a bit of wishful thinking. We are lucky to have the ATR72 600 first (an extended version of the ATR50 600 and also a turbo-prop), which can accommodate 68-74 passengers, depending on class-figuration and seat pitch. I suspect LIAT with its relelatively short routes may be tempted to go for the max. paasenger load, especially since they don’t offer a full cabin service but this may affect their capability to accommodate all accompanying baggage, a source of frequent complaints.

    • Nicolas
      January 17, 2013

      But if LIAT gets new jets, will they be able to land in DOminica? or just the ATR?

    • budman
      January 18, 2013

      in other words shift the delay from ANU to SVG? also why move the hub further south when the primary destinations are North?

  19. Heather
    January 17, 2013

    I hope they will be able to team up with a larger airline like jet blue or american airlines so that we can have a direct connection to Dominica. I want to come home soon and I dont want to have to pay 2 separate baggage fees or wait 6+ hours for a connection. Has anybody tried booking a flight to Dominica from JFK after March??? OMG it is ridiculous. My family and I really want to do a reunion back home but we all hate airports in general and the waits I am seeing so far are crazy. I can’t.

    • Malatete
      January 17, 2013

      Heather, my suggestion. Jet Blue can take you to St. Maarten from JFK and from there take a BVI flight direct to Dominica. Dont’ worry St. Maarten is preferrable to St. Lucia (…or San Juan) any time), you will arrive in Dominica the same day and most probably safe money too.

    • R
      January 17, 2013

      Connect in Barbados. Its convenient and easy.

    • sidney
      January 18, 2013

      No surprise there. American Eagle is pulling out of Dominica in “march 2013” have been in talks for a year

  20. african queen
    January 17, 2013

    way to go my airline looking forward to a great safe ride on u may god guide and protect u in the sky.god bless

  21. Agatha
    January 17, 2013

    This is a better way to go than having to allocate the greater portion of our best lands to “international airport”, pay for its construction, pay for its upkeep, and still pay the big guys to come here if and when they feel like it. LIAT is ours come what may.

    • faceup
      January 17, 2013

      !! Chupes !! Your’s, not mine !!

    • Anonymous
      January 17, 2013

      Narrow thinking and lack of vision

      • Too Hard Too Long
        January 18, 2013

        Are you the same Anonymous that responded to malatete?

    • D/can
      January 17, 2013

      I totally agree with you Agatha (but saying your name is a bit funny). But yes, having International will be too costly for construction and even as you rightfully said for upkeeping. I know some of the international aiports in 1st world countries having to file bankruptcy or under real finanical strain. All we need is competition, or if not lower travel cost from this LIAT airline who just keep rubbing us 3rd world countries. Dominica, St.Vincent even Greneda,when are we going to fight for lower airfares. Dear Lord just bless us, we the struggling nations.

    • R
      January 17, 2013

      Settle for nothing… Wake up and think big. We can do it, we can be a prime distinction, we can offer the same experience and Costa Rica with a shorter flight to North American Passengers.. Think big..

      How can we expect to see development when we want nothing?

      You should also live in a 2 by 4 because a bed is all you need and a fire outdoors to cook food. and a hole to pop. Narrow minded/

      • budman
        January 18, 2013

        R sounds confused

  22. grell
    January 17, 2013

    same crap to get to dominica,wont improve still have to transit in stinking antigua.

    • R
      January 17, 2013

      Can u stop? You have a whole lot of options. Barbados, St. lucia, The french Islands.. STop the complaining! I’ve been to Da often and haven’t been through Antigua in since 1997. SO stop, book your own trips and find your own convenient connections. You don’t have to go through Antigua if you don’t want too..

  23. Anonymous
    January 17, 2013

    REMEMBER THAT YOU STILL HAVE TO MAKE STOPS IN ANTIGUA TO GET RIP OFF AGAIN WITH YOUR BAGS

  24. Blue Ray
    January 17, 2013

    Dont rejoice so soon,we are going to have to bite our nails just to be able to purchase a flight,just wait and see.

  25. abi
    January 17, 2013

    it is good that they are getting new aircraft,but wait till we see our flight prices…………..lol they gotta pay for those new planes, ppl some of us have to do less travel. right now from Anu to Dom it is ridiculous.

  26. MUDD
    January 17, 2013

    Watch out for the rise of air fares.

  27. Anonymous
    January 17, 2013

    EXCELLENT MOVE WILL REPLACE THE AA EAGLE WHICH WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE SAN JUAN DOMINICA ROUTE IN APRIL

  28. concerned
    January 17, 2013

    it was time so people can travel in comfort.
    next will be the ATR 72 I hope

    • Malatete
      January 17, 2013

      Yes, the article does mention this but I doubt we’ll see them on routes servicing Dominica since we rarely have adequate passenger loads for this larger version. Truth be told a 30 seater would be ideal for Dominica as things stand so, unless we can grow passenger numbers, expect to see a reduction and/or rerouting of flights serving Dominica and we can’t blame LIAT for that if this happens.

      • Anonymous
        January 17, 2013

        Small- minded people. Think small!! A 30-seated would be appropriate for Dominica???? How can progress happen if you think that way. Smh

      • Malatete
        January 17, 2013

        Sorry if I upset you Anonymous but one has to be realistic. Big thinking alone does not pay the bills, ask Mr. Brunton of LIAT!

      • R
        January 17, 2013

        Why do u all always think Dominica can’t do or be a part off? SHame, Minds like yours are the exact reason our country lag behind. Don’t expect a man to change it.. it takes a people, and so far our People are the main issue in Dominica. Our mind set is negative negative negative,.. we every thing half empty instead of half full….

        SHAME!!

      • budman
        January 18, 2013

        Malatete gave a reasoned explanation for his viewpoint. two people responded emotionally chastising his opinion yet did not offer a logical counterpoint or plan.

      • Too Hard Too Long
        January 18, 2013

        I agree. Logically, LIAT should not send large planes to pick up 10 people. If there is a higher demand then no problem, send a bigger plane to service the market.

  29. Malatete
    January 17, 2013

    This is a good choice of a well proven aircraft. There is commonality with aircraft in the fleets of the likes of Caribbean and A Eagle. I know the Chinese tried to muscle in with their Tupolev derived variant but that would have created a licensing problem with the FAA, amongst others I hope this new equipment will translate into a better service performance. Editor please note, the ATR is a turbo-prop also.

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