LIAT is moving full speed ahead with the upgrade of its fleet of aircraft with the addition of another new ATR aircraft.
LIAT pilots, Captain Chris Cameron and First Officer Oran Challenger, with flight engineer Gregory Marcano, flew the latest ATR-42 aircraft across the Atlantic from Toulouse, France, arriving at V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua, on Sunday, January 26.
LIAT’s Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Julie Reifer-Jones, said the fleet modernization is an important part of LIAT’s strategy to deliver better on-time performance, higher levels of customer satisfaction while adding to the airline’s stellar safety record.
She noted that for far too long, people using the regional carrier had to suffer lengthy delays due to aging and difficult to service aircraft which at times led to sub-par customer service delivery.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to raise the standard of customer service throughout the LIAT network; and 2014 is the year when our customers and the general public will see that we are determined to serve the region better,” Reifer-Jones said.
“We will do everything to deliver a better product and late last year we set things in motion with our company-wide customer service training or ‘brand camp’. This programme will continue in 2014,” she said.
Emphasizing LIAT will not accept poor customer service, she pledged, “The public deserves better and we will do better.”
LIAT now has a fleet of six new ATR Aircraft – two ATR-42s, each with 48 seats; and four ATR 72s, each with 68 seats.
The fleet modernisation is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.
Why are there only 4 islands bankrolling LIAT?
Why aren’t the governments of Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and the rest playing their part?
They should cut off service to these islands.
There needs to be small jet service maybe 60 or 70 passenger planes direct from Florida, Tampa or Miami.The market maybe there but a test needs to be conducted if it works and is profitable make it regular.The planes probably would be full all the time with Dominica as a hub for passengers going to other islands close to Dominica since Dominica is right in the middle of the Island chain.People could by-pass the money racket in Antigua.And please, not LIAT.They would screw that up too.
The following article highlights LIAT ongoing plight concerning mismanagement and failed promises by some of the so-called leaders in the Caribbean.
Financial woes follow LIAT
By Vernon Khelawan Thursday, January 30 2014
http://www.newsday.co.tt/businessday/0,189962.html
According to LIAT’s Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Julie Reifer-Jones, “LIAT pilots, Captain Chris Cameron and First Officer Oran Challenger, with flight engineer Gregory Marcano, flew the latest ATR-42 aircraft across the Atlantic from Toulouse, “France”, arriving at V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua, on Sunday, January 26.”
Julie Reifer-Jones, IF LIAT CAN FLY FROM FRANCE, WHY LIAT CANNOT FLY FROM FLORIDA? You would be amazed by the number of passengers that would fly LIAT DIRECTLY FROM FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL TO MELVILLE HALL, DOMINICA.
the plane can make the distance however with several stops on the way, including greenland etc.
Anon, how you figured they went all de way back up to Greenland to make a stop, and then fly a longer route down to Antigua? LOL.. What I hearing there nah Bon Diay! Anyways, I guess with an empty plane the flight from France to Antigua is possible. I not bachaying that plane from Florida to Dominica full or empty!!
wel they shud be able to refuel in Mid- air by Air Dominika airforce
Well, you must also understand the aircraft was empty (besides the pilots), which caused it to burn less fuel. Weight is a deciding and wind direction are factors that cause the airplane to burn the most fuel.
An other aircraft is not going to make a difference, the workers attitude has to change for the better. Did the acting Ceo say that they will not accept poor customer service but that is what the public is getting on a daily basis. What a shame for Liat employees in Dominica, want to protest after money went missing from their office did the money walk? They should not even let that hit the airwaves, theft reflects badly on all the employees. DNO it came on the radio so donot delete my comment.
Let hire people persons and not companies to handle their st. Croix station. Ms jones make a surprise visit
do something about the ridiculous prices…it still cost more from NY to Barbados (5hr flight) than it cost from Barbados to Dominica (30-40min flight..bs
Are you that your comparison is correct?
One would assume that it is right that a five hour flight woukd cost more than a 40 minute flight.
I am just checking as I am unsure about the validity of your comment.
LIAT – bottom line, you all need competition. LIAT customer service is the worse I have ever experience from an airline. I have travelled many airlines but when it come to LIAT after paying your hard earn dollars its like they doing you a favor and to hell with u. Competition would change that attitude overnight!
IF TOURISN is the caribean airlines, LIAT, please work with the stake holders to reduse your fares. Yoou cannot be charging $400.00US between DOM and ANTigua, a 30minute flight, and expect inter regional travel to be something that will make the airline successful. Half the fare is TAXES!!! That is nonsense…Why leave the US for $300.00US to get to Antigua and pay another $400.00US to get to Dominica? That is madness. Tourism is NOT LIAT or the government business! You all a running the tourist away and killing the airline at the same time. Please, if your marketing folks worth their degrees this is elementary Marketing 001. MAke the fare attractive and folks will load your aircrafts and the governments will reap taxes as the people buy products. Get them through the door DONT kill them before they can get to the door….DO better LIAT!!
4U2C it is called Volume garcon Volume
you do realize that liat dosent get the tax money SO ITS NOT THEIR FAULT if liat shuts down right now imm sure you would shut up or say that they were not charging enough
Pure Bull,and you all cant get your finances in order,give us a break liat.Reifer you all are a bunch of jokers @ the head.My last trip in October was hell flying liat.Antigua is another hell hole that you all keep us as prisoners.Atrip that is suppose to take an hour ends up being an entire day.
I want an old DASH 8-300 so,I can pass my frustration on…