{"id":328292,"date":"2024-08-30T10:24:10","date_gmt":"2024-08-30T14:24:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/?p=328292"},"modified":"2024-08-30T22:55:30","modified_gmt":"2024-08-31T02:55:30","slug":"liat-20-welcomed-with-pomp-and-flair-in-dominica","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/homepage\/news\/liat-20-welcomed-with-pomp-and-flair-in-dominica\/","title":{"rendered":"LIAT 20 welcomed with pomp and flair in Dominica"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

LIAT 20’s exciting new flight to Dominica made a grand entrance at the Douglas Charles Airport, met with the lively beats of African drums that filled the air.<\/p>\n

This marked the launch of LIAT 20’s anticipated flights to Dominica, with the airline swiftly expanding to include new islands in its schedule.<\/p>\n

Officials from LIAT 20, media personnel, and special guests arrived on a chartered flight from V.C Bird International Airport to celebrate this momentous occasion.<\/p>\n

The airline, spearheaded by Antigua and Barbuda\u2019s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, will operate flights to Dominica three times a week, aiming to increase travel options to the island.<\/p>\n

The goal is to enhance Dominica’s position as a top destination and to boost air access for travelers.<\/p>\n

The return of LIAT signifies not just a business venture but a symbol of collective commitment to the growth of Caribbean tourism.<\/p>\n

The Discover Dominica Authority’s chief executive officer, Marva Williams, emphasized the country’s objective of enriching the travel experience and ensuring that every visit leaves a lasting impression.<\/p>\n

Williams underscored the positive impact of collaborative partnerships, stating, “We must recognize the advantages that our partnerships offer… Our collective efforts are geared towards elevating Dominica’s position as a premier travel destination.”<\/p>\n

Benoit Bardouille, the Chief Executive Officer of Dominica’s Air and Seaport, highlighted the significance of the occasion in relation to the country’s efforts to enhance air accessibility for travelers to and from Dominica. Bardouille expressed, \u201cDominica is in the process of constructing its new international airport, slated to be operational by 2027, with the aim of drawing numerous visitors to experience the beauty of the Caribbean.”<\/p>\n

In terms of flight operations, LIAT is set to operate weekly flights to and from Dominica, servicing routes to Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, and St Kitts and Nevis. Bardouille also addressed the challenges faced in recent months with onward connections to other parts of the region, expressing optimism that LIAT 20 will help alleviate these issues.<\/p>\n

Addressing the concern of affordable travel and exceptional travel experiences in Dominica, Bardouille emphasized the importance of addressing these factors.<\/p>\n

Arthur Senhouse, the Director of Operations of LIAT 20, reflected on the revival of the airline, acknowledging the unwavering determination of the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, during the collapse of LIAT 1974. Senhouse expressed satisfaction at the prospect of filling existing gaps in the region, deeming the venture timely.<\/p>\n

Fidel Grant, the Parliamentary Representative for Wesley, conveyed the sentiments of Dominica’s Tourism Minister Denise Charles who could not attend.<\/p>\n

Grant expressed delight regarding the relaunch of the airline, emphasizing that LIAT 20 signals a new era for Caribbean aviation\u2014a development that is poised to bolster regional integration, stimulate economic activities, and provide crucial connectivity for travelers throughout the island.<\/p>\n

LIAT 2020 emerges from a partnership between Caribbean governments and Nigerian airline Air Peace.<\/p>\n

The airline begins its journey with a modest fleet of seven aircraft.<\/p>\n