Talks commence in Barbados on Monday between the Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda governments over the proposed sale of Barbados’ shares in regional airline LIAT.

Both governments have confirmed Barbados’ willingness to sell most of its shares in LIAT to Antigua where the airline is headquartered.

Barbados, the majority shareholder in the airline, has expressed unwillingness to pump more money into the financially struggling airline without a major restructuring.

However, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has insisted that her government remains committed to regional transportation and would continue to hold minimum shares in the Antigua-based carrier.

Barbados along with Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are the main shareholders of the airline that employs over 600 people and operates 491 flights weekly across 15 destinations.

Miss Mottley, at an airport news conference yesterday, was asked for an update on the proposed deal with Antigua.