Prime Minister Gaston Browne says an Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) regional airline is moving closer to becoming a reality following discussions among heads of government at the 78th OECS Authority Meeting held in Antigua and Barbuda.
According to Antigua.news, the proposed carrier — tentatively dubbed 'OECS Air' — has US$60 million earmarked for its potential development, with leaders reaffirming their commitment to the project pending the results of a feasibility study currently being conducted by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB).
"We would have all confirmed our commitment to an OECS airline, subject to the study that is being done by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank," Browne said during an appearance on Pointe FM's Browne and Browne Show on Saturday.
The Prime Minister indicated the ECCB study is expected to be completed within weeks and will determine the airline's financial viability. "We expect within a matter of weeks that the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank would have completed their studies and that it would confirm the viability of this entity," he said.
Browne revealed that approximately US$50 million in unclaimed deposits held by the ECCB has already been identified as a possible funding source. "Those are the unclaimed deposits within the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank. They have been unclaimed for over 25 to 30 years," he noted.
Additional financing could come from the European Union. Browne said representatives from France indicated during the meeting that indirect EU funding may be accessible. Should all sources materialise, he said total available financing could surpass US$100 million.
The Prime Minister described improved regional air connectivity as one of the OECS' highest priorities, alongside energy cooperation and reducing the cost of living across member states.
A regional airline has long been seen as a vehicle for lowering inter-island travel costs, improving transportation links, and deepening economic integration among OECS nations.
