ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Regional airline LIAT Thursday said it wished to reassure its customers and the travelling public that it will continue to serve them during the busy Christmas season by maintaining its scheduled services.
The company confirmed that efforts are continuing to respond to the various labour and other issues that have caused its customers to be concerned about further disruptions to its schedule.
“LIAT remains in dialogue with the Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIALPA) on areas of concern to the pilots’ union in discussions which have remained frank and respectful,” the airline said in a release.
“Discussions are also on-going with various unions aimed at addressing a number of the other concerns which have arisen between the Company and its employees,” the statement further said.
The Caribbean Media Corporation, citing well placed sources, reported on Wednesday that a rift had developed within the LIALPA over its handling of the dismissal of Captain Michael Blackburn from LIAT.
Blackburn, LIALPA’s Chairman was summarily dismissed by LIAT on Dec. 5 and the action led to a two-day sickout by pilots that crippled the airline’s operations and leaving thousands of passengers across the region stranded.