LIAT gets all-clear for night flights

The Dominica government says it has been given the green light by the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) to commence night landing after a series of test flights.

"Based on discussion with the director of the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority this week, we will get certification for landing and take-off, paving the way for commercial activity thereafter ... We are hoping to have an inaugural flight in due course," Ports Minister Rayburn Blackmoore said on Tuesday.

In April, Blackmoore said that the night flights would commence in May, but that did not materalise. However, he told reporters Tuesday that he had received information that all requirements set out by the regulatory body had been met, clearing the way for aircraft to begin night-time schedules.

"This is a significant achievement for the people of Dominica. This air access improvement represents a major push to taking us to the next level of development as a people," he added.

The regional airline, LIAT, last week conducted test flights into the Melville Hall Airport in the north of the island, and Blackmoore said the Roosevelt Skerrit administration was grateful to the European Union and the Venezuela government for their financial and other assistance in the project.

He said the Europeans provided EC$46 million (US$17.03 million) while the Venezuelans provided machinery for the excavation work.

- CMC