Above: Captain Chris Cameron and Captain Phil Gunsam in the new ATR (Photo: LIAT)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Caribbean air carrier LIAT has added another new ATR-72 aircraft to its fleet, the company announced.

The latest ATR-72 was delivered at VC Bird International Airport in Antigua last week.

“This fifth ATR delivery represents our firm commitment to the fleet renewal process as we embrace passenger safety and comfort at all times,” Reifer-Jones said.

LIAT now has a fleet of five new ATRs, including an ATR-42 with 48 seats and four ATR 72s, each of which has 68 seats. LIAT is currently transitioning from a fleet of Dash-8 planes to new ATR 72s, which is costing approximately $107 million, according to the company.

Reifer-Jones said the new planes would “significantly help LIAT handle increased passenger volumes for the upcoming peak Christmas season.”

LIAT is owned by regional shareholders, with major shareholders including the governments of Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda and St Vincent and the Grenadines.