ANTIGUA SUN:
LIAT, in an attempt to curtail its losses in revenue, has reinvented itself as the Caribbean's new low cost carrier. At a press conference held yesterday at Sandals Antigua, with regional and local media in attendance, the executive managers of LIAT announced that from yesterday, fares have been cut by an average of 20 per cent.
From the examples given, the highest fare available was US$130 and the lowest fare was US$22.
There will be differently priced seats on each aeroplane, introducing a concept of "The earlier you buy, the cheaper your seat".
For example, from Barbados to Antigua will now be $130, with the possibility of it going as low as $30.
The system will also run by one-way pricing, no return flight included. If one would require a return by a certain date, a second ticket would need to be purchased. LIAT, as an air carrier, would also offer the option of ticket-less travel, with the introduction of e-ticketing.
PASSPORT
Customers would now only need to carry their passport and flight schedule, with no hassle of paper tickets as that aspect would now be in electronic form.
Garry Cullen, CEO LIAT, said their transformation plan is both radical and extremely challenging, but necessary because the airline industry is receiving less return on investment and is continually losing money.
"We are at the stage that customer demand and the successful restructuring of our finances to date are now conducive to change in our plans to move the business forward," he said.
He added this has given LIAT the opportunity to take out complexities and target cost savings in all business areas, not just labour. Chairman Dr. Jean Holder said air transportation is the bridge that connects Caribbean people throughout the region and to the outside world.
