Landing gear arrives, LIAT 2020 still on course for operations

LIAT 2020 should hit the skies in short order despite recent news of faulty landing gear being spotted.

During test flights of a recently acquired aircraft, the airline discovered the issue and promptly took action by purchasing new parts.

According to the Antigua and Barbuda’s Information Minister, Melford Nicholas, the replacement process began yesterday, and the airline expects to receive the remaining parts “in another couple of days they will receive the other.”

Nicholas clarified that the gear replacement was part of routine maintenance, explaining that, “as per the airline’s maintenance protocol, which requires certain parts to be changed after a specified number of flying hours or a certain period.”

With the new parts acquired, he says the regional carrier is still “on schedule to commence commercial operations in fairly short order.”

However, before it can resume flights, the airline must pass inspection by the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority to obtain its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC).

LIAT 2020 is the successor to LIAT 1974 and is a joint venture between regional governments and Nigerian airline Air Peace, which holds a 70 percent stake in the new airline.