LIAT Y LIAT NEWS P78 Y FLY T0. GRENADA P80 Y ROUTES P82 Y 6 UNIQUE TREATS P83 Y HEALTHY TRAVEL P84 Y WELCOME ABOARD P86 LIAT's acting Chief Executive Offi cer Brian Challenger has indicated his plans for the future of the airline. " We are very much committed to working with our aviation partners, governments, and the private sector," said Challenger, who took temporary charge in April, following the departure of Mark Darby. " We recognise that in this diffi cult economic climate, everybody has to work together to achieve the aims of enhancing profi tability and growth. The model we are taking is to be very consultative." He also revealed that LIAT was exploring new areas of revenue generation. 78 ZiNG July - September 2009 LIAT'S ON- TIME performance reached record levels during the fi rst quarter of the year. The carrier achieved an overall on- time ( within 15 minutes) performance of 87.3 per cent - 2.3 per cent above its set target of 85 per cent, the industry standard. This was the fi rst time LIAT has hit the target since it acquired the assets of former rival Caribbean Star in 2007. " This is no mean achievement for an airline as complex as LIAT," Wilbur Edwards, director of Ground Operations and Quikpak, said. A major milestone was achieved on 17 March when an on- time performance of 96.6 per cent within one minute and 98.3 per cent within 15 minutes was recorded. LIAT offers services to 22 destinations in 21 Caribbean territories, with an average of 130 fl ights per day. LIAT ACHIEVES RECORD ON- TIME PERFORMANCE Y FOR SCHEDULES, SPECIAL OFFERS OR TO MAKE RESERVATIONS, VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW. LIAT. COM CHALLENGER OUTLINES PLANS TO TAKE LIAT FORWARD " We are hoping that we will be able to offer to our network a cargo schedule that will satisfy the demands of shippers and producers in the region," Challenger said. The plan calls for the conversion of one of the company's three Dash- 8 100 aircraft into a full freighter. Pointing out that LIAT is a government-owned company whose primary objective is to provide service, Challenger explained that many of the routes being served by the carrier offered narrow margins of viability. " On a strictly commercial basis there might not be any justifi cation for them, but as a company committed to serving the Caribbean over the last 50 years we view it as our responsibility to continue to provide services where necessary," he said. " This is a very important aspect of the commitment that we have to the region." Challenger has taken charge of the day- to- day running of LIAT until a new chief executive is appointed. He has had a long working relationship with the airline, and has been on the board of directors since 2006. " Working from LIAT's head offi ce in Antigua, Challenger will ensure continuity and will see to the smooth operation of the company as the board continues the process of identifying and putting in place a new chief executive," said Dr Jean Holder, chairman of the airline on his appointment. Challenger's background is in aviation law. He has been involved in LIAT's operations over the last 10 years in various capacities. Your say. LIAT are planning to introduce a cargo service. Would this be a welcome addition? What do you think? Have your say at www. zingmag. net Events across our network OUR FLEET LIAT operates a fl eet of 17 Dash 8 100/ 300 aircraft, which have proved to be safe, economical and reliable, a favourite for airlines fl ying the frequencies and range of our Caribbean routes. The latest models Q100/ Q300 use an advanced Noise Vibration Suppression system to dramatically reduce cabin noise and vibration, making it the quietest, most vibration- free turboprop aircraft in the sky today. Y Crew: 2+ 1 Y Passengers: 50 Y Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123B turboprops Y Power: 2500shp Y Cruise speed: 285 knots ( 528km/ h) Y Maximum range: 2034km Y Maximum take- off weight: 19,505kg Y Average cabin noise level: 75dBA * specs apply to the Q300 model only