LIAT ensuring safety in the air

LIAT continues strict maintenance programme following fire.

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, Monday June 25, 2012 – LIAT Airlines is reiterating its safety standards for the general public in the wake of a massive fire that recently destroyed one of its airplanes, a hangar and two office blocks at the VC Bird International Airport in Antigua.

A recent media release issued by the regional airline stressed that LIAT continues to provide regular services throughout its network two weeks after the fire.
Director of Maintenance Alan Alexander stated in the release that the remaining hangar had the capability and ability to maintain the airplanes in accordance with the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority approved maintenance programme.

“We also have ramp maintenance capabilities in Antigua as well as engineering personnel at the Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados and the Piarco International Airport in Trinidad,” he said.

“With regards for work normally scheduled for the hangar lost in the fire, LIAT has two Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA)-approved Maintenance and Repair Organisations (MROs) and workshops outside of the region (in Canada) to do maintenance work on its aircraft.

“So there is no inability to continue with regular maintenance of our aircraft in compliance with both ECCAA and the manufacturers requirements,” Alexander added.

As it relates to maintenance records which were destroyed in the fire, the Director of Maintenance said LIAT’s maintenance records are in fact digitally recorded on a network server.

“The maintenance records which were destroyed were hard copy, mainly of a historic nature, that would not normally have been referenced on a daily basis to ensure continued airworthiness,” Alexander said.

“We are currently working, with assistance from the aircraft and power plant manufacturers, to reconstruct the historical records,” he added. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)