First of LIAT’s new craft by June

Regional air carrier LIAT is fast-tracking its plans to upgrade its fleet with an agreement to purchase three new planes.
It has announced the signature of an agreement with ATR, a European turboprop aircraft manufacturer, to buy three 48-seater ATR 42-600s.
The deal also includes options for two 68-seater aircraft, and is valued at over US$100 million, a news release from the two companies said. LIAT will take delivery of their very first aircraft in June 2013.
With their arrival, plus additional ATR -600s under discussion from leasing companies, LIAT will progressively replace its current fleet of former turboprop aircraft.
The carrier currently operates a fleet of 14 aircraft over its Caribbean network, which includes main hubs at Antigua, Barbados and Trinidad, and destinations including Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, St Maarten, Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique, St Lucia and St Vincent.
Commenting on the new contract, Ian Brunton, chief executive officer of LIAT, said,: “We are pleased to become a new member of the ATR family and to start operating aircraft which have largely proven their efficiency and performances on the type of routes we propose.
“The aircraft of our modern fleet will feature the most advanced cabin interiors and standards of comfort, while being extremely respectful of the environment, a matter of considerable concern to us at LIAT.”
Filippo Bagnato, CEO of the France-based ATR said: “The ATR -600 series aircraft perfectly match the requirements of the airlines operating inter-island flights. Their outstanding performance and reliability on this type of routes clearly explains their success.” (GE/PR)