Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda is on track to secure more first-class seats on British Airways as the country’s luxury hotel sector continues to expand, arguing that rising high-end capacity strengthens the business case for premium airlift.
Speaking on the Browne and Browne show, Browne said the growth of upscale properties is beginning to shift Antigua’s market profile and will directly influence the level of first-class service airlines are willing to offer.
“Within the next five to ten years, this country is going to be a significantly better place,” Browne said. He added that as more luxury rooms come online, premium airlift will follow. “As those luxury properties take root and they’re completed, we have more luxury rooms. You’re going to get more first-class seats.”
The comments came after hotelier Andrew Michelin told the Prime Minister that Antigua should assertively pursue a first-class cabin on the British Airways route. Michelin said the destination’s hospitality product has outpaced many regional competitors and now deserves expanded premium service.
“The other thing I’m trying to really, speaking to Prime Minister and so on… Antigua is a first-class with BA,” Michelin said. He argued that the airline has historically favoured Barbados but said the regional landscape has changed. “Barbados is old school… Antigua is today and tomorrow.”
Michelin said Antigua’s luxury credentials—including top-ranked hotels and growing demand from high-net-worth visitors—support a stronger first-class offering. He pointed to direct UK links, superyacht traffic, and rising interest in Barbuda as factors that strengthen the island’s appeal.
“There’s really no reason why, in my view, Antigua should not be getting a first-class service into Antigua,” he said.
He added that Antigua’s expanding regional connectivity through LIAT and a consistent flow of upscale travellers make the argument even stronger. “We have… the consistency of connection here with LIAT… and we have Jamwe Bay and a few other upscale [properties] who would like to have this service.”
Browne welcomed the suggestion, saying Antigua’s tourism trajectory sets the stage for airlines to increase premium seating as the country solidifies its place among the Caribbean’s high-value destinations.
