LAIT planes By. LIAT
ST. JOHN, ANTIGUA — LIAT on Friday said it will suspend all passenger services for the next fourteen days due to the impact of coronavirus. The airline said it will only operate charters and cargo flights during this period.
Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Julie Reifer Jones explained that the imposition of travel bans and border closures had ground regional travel to a halt. “ We tried to maintain a limited schedule; however, the present conditions make this impossible” she stated. As a result, the company has implemented a temporary suspension of passenger services from April 4th for a period of 14 days in the first instance. The suspension will be reviewed after the first fourteen days.
The airline said it has issued a travel advisory for all affected passengers. Passengers booked during the period of suspension will automatically have their bookings cancelled and will receive a full credit. Passengers will be able to rebook as soon as the airline resumes passenger services.
Mrs' Reifer-Jones acknowledged that this was an extremely challenging time for the airline, its employees and other stakeholders. She disclosed that the airline had implemented several other measures including temporary layoffs and reduced working hours.
In addition, the airline’s Board of Directors is in direct communication with regional governments to secure a support package that would see the company maintain a limited schedule when the situation allows, according to the release.
LIAT said it will continue to review the rapidly changing situation and remains committed to ensuring that the region is connected.
