Antigua Eyes Regional Cargo Hub as New Aircraft Arrives and Study Begins at VC Bird Airport
Antigua and Barbuda is moving to strengthen cargo operations at VC Bird International Airport, with the arrival of a new cargo aircraft, growing freight capacity and a study now under way for a purpose-built cargo facility, according to Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Charles “Max” Fernandez.
Speaking during the Budget Debate, Fernandez said cargo activity at the airport is expanding as part of a wider effort to diversify aviation operations beyond passenger traffic and position Antigua as a regional logistics centre.
He told Parliament that a new cargo aircraft operated by 7 Air has begun operations at VC Bird International Airport.
Fernandez noted that the aircraft is managed and handled locally by a group of young Antiguans, whom he praised for their ambition to develop Antigua into a cargo hub for the region.
“These young Antiguans are really pushing to see how they can work to bring VC Bird as a cargo hub for the region,” he said, adding that the government is providing support to help the initiative succeed.
Fernandez said the presence of more than one cargo operator is important for the sector’s development.
While Antigua already has an existing cargo service in place, he explained that relying on a single operator can limit flexibility and competitiveness.
The addition of another aircraft, he said, creates a more open market and allows for more aggressive pricing and improved service.
The minister said the expansion of cargo services will increase freight-handling capabilities at the airport and strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s position within regional trade and logistics networks.
He also announced that a formal study is now being conducted for a new cargo facility at VC Bird International Airport. The study is being carried out with Sassy World Cargo, represented by Antiguan businessman Elliot Page, and is aimed at planning infrastructure that can support future growth.
According to Fernandez, the proposed facility would be designed to accommodate increased cargo volumes, improve operational efficiency and attract new business partners. He said the project would further “cement” VC Bird International Airport’s role as a regional cargo hub.
The cargo initiatives, Fernandez said, complement ongoing investments at the airport, including runway rehabilitation, operational upgrades and long-term planning under a revised airport master plan.
Together, he argued, these developments are intended to ensure that Antigua and Barbuda is prepared for increased demand in both passenger and cargo aviation.
