OECS Air Proposal Gains Attention in Talks with Saint Martin Officials

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says discussions are continuing with regional leaders on his proposal to establish a new airline, OECS Air, potentially through a merger of Air Antilles and LIAT.

The proposal arose during talks in Antigua with Saint Martin’s Territorial Council President Louis Mussington, who had travelled to explore cooperation between the two carriers. Browne said he encouraged a broader plan that would consolidate both airlines into a single regional carrier rather than maintaining separate operations.

According to the Prime Minister, the initiative could be financed through two potential sources: roughly US$60 million in unclaimed deposit receipts at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and about €70 million from the European Union’s Interreg Fund, which is accessible through French territories such as Guadeloupe and Martinique.

Browne said Mussington has been asked to consult officials in Guadeloupe and French authorities about possible collaboration with OECS member states.

If funding is secured, the airline could expand its fleet by five to six aircraft, bringing the total to around 14 planes, which Browne believes would be enough to serve the region. He also suggested the carrier could operate flights to Panama City to expand trade options for OECS consumers.

The proposal remains under discussion among regional governments and has not yet reached the implementation stage.

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