Prime Minister Gaston Browne is actively pursuing his proposal to establish a new regional carrier, OECS Air, through a potential merger of Air Antilles and LIAT, as discussions continue with regional leaders.
According to Antigua News Room, the proposal gained momentum during meetings in Antigua between Browne and Saint Martin's Territorial Council President Louis Mussington, who had travelled to explore cooperation between the two existing carriers. Rather than maintaining separate operations, Browne said he encouraged a broader consolidation of both airlines into a single regional carrier.
The Prime Minister outlined two potential financing avenues for the initiative. The first involves approximately US$60 million in unclaimed deposit receipts held at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank. The second is roughly €70 million from the European Union's Interreg Fund, accessible through French territories including Guadeloupe and Martinique.
Browne said Mussington has been asked to consult officials in Guadeloupe and with French authorities regarding possible collaboration with OECS member states.
Should funding be secured, Browne envisions the airline expanding its fleet by five to six aircraft, bringing the total to approximately 14 planes — a number he believes would be sufficient to adequately serve the region. He also floated the possibility of operating flights to Panama City as a means of broadening trade options for OECS consumers.
The proposal remains in the discussion phase among regional governments and has not yet advanced to implementation.
