Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez says LIAT 2020 is on track to double its Antigua and Barbuda workforce to 200 by year-end as the airline ramps up operations and introduces new jets.

Speaking in Parliament this week, Fernandez highlighted that 80 of LIAT’s current 95 employees are Antiguans, with the rest from across the Caribbean, the UK, and Ethiopia. He noted that the airline’s engineering team is made up entirely of Antiguans.

Responding to a question from Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle, the minister said LIAT’s expansion could create up to 300 additional indirect jobs regionally. Six Antiguan pilots are currently in training to fly the new jets, with four nearing completion.

Fernandez called LIAT 2020 a vital locally run airline and reaffirmed Antigua’s strategic position in regional aviation. He also reported strong tourism growth, with March 2025 setting a new monthly air arrivals record and first-quarter arrivals up 7.5% over 2019.