The announcement in several media outlets of Sir Richard Branson’s interest in LIAT provides all those who visit and travel around the Caribbean a sunny outlook.
Branson, the internationally famed resident of the Caribbean, pioneer, explorer, daredevil, entrepreneur, and head of the Virgin Empire, is probably the best person to manage the ailing LIAT. He brings flair, standards, style, decency, customer-friendly service and efficiency to anything he touches. His long residence in the Caribbean and his laid back style but attention to detail is exactly what LIAT needs to revive their fortune.
The cooperation of Caribbean governments, regional security, and streamlined inter-country immigration and customs procedures can stimulate rapid growth of passengers for LIAT, especially in the Eastern Caribbean.
Along with all of his other talents, Sir Richard brings his ability to be innovative. An efficient shuttle operation for the 1300 miles (as the crow flies) distance from French Guiana in the south to the British Virgin Islands, the northernmost country in the Eastern Caribbean, will provide businessmen, tourists and other travelers with the opportunity to travel inter-country for work and leisure daily. The operating distance also provides for the use of single-aisle fuel-efficient aircraft whose investment and operational costs are not in the realm of the long haul twin-aisle aircraft that has to meet the stringent requirements of ETOPS (Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards).
Caribbean governments, citizens and travelers alike should welcome Sir Richard’s involvement and look forward to more friendly and efficient skies.
