Liat Air is pushing ahead with an aggressive international expansion strategy, confirming new flights to Panama, Belize, and Colombia as the Antigua-based carrier works to broaden its footprint across the Americas. The airline is also keeping Africa in its long-term plans, even as it focuses on tightening its regional network.
Chief Executive Officer Hafsah Abdulsalam said the new routes are part of a deliberate push to boost Caribbean connectivity. “We will be operating flights into Panama with the same aircraft so it’s all subject to where we receive the aircraft, but this is definitely in our sights, in our plans and so those are the additional routes we’ll be seeking to open up. We’ve got plans to fly into Colombia and, as you know, we’ve got Belize on the works,” she said.
Abdulsalam stressed that the airline is prioritizing a stronger regional foundation before turning to long-haul flights. While Africa remains in Liat Air’s long-range vision, she noted that current efforts are focused on stabilizing operations “on this side of the Atlantic” and strengthening ties with Spartan Air Peace. The airline hopes to “establish an interline arrangement, allowing persons seeking to buy a ticket through Liat and fly on Air Peace.”
Liat Air is also in discussions with several international carriers about partnerships that would allow passengers to book seamless connections beyond the region. Negotiations are progressing at different stages, and Abdulsalam said she hopes to finalize a major interline deal by year’s end.
The carrier is eyeing the Toronto market as a near-term opportunity, though that move would require larger aircraft. Direct flights to the United States remain on hold until the Eastern Caribbean regains its Category 1 aviation status, Abdulsalam added.
The expansion hinges on fleet growth, including the addition of a new narrow-body aircraft. Abdulsalam acknowledged ongoing hurdles: “We do have a narrow-body aircraft that is due to join the fleet but obviously there’s still some issues around getting engines for the E2195 aircraft. There’s a global issue regarding engines and all that, so once that is resolved that aircraft will also join the fleet.”
If all goes according to plan, she said the airline expects to stabilize its fleet at around seven aircraft by next year.
