LIAT (1974) Limited says it is not pushing its pilots to breach safety regulations and called on the pilots' association to "cease actions that seek to undermine public confidence" in the company.

The airline made the comment in response to a Press release which it said the Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIALPA) released Tuesday.

The two statements came amidst a long-running dispute at LIAT over the pilots' demand for higher pay.

"In particular, the company wishes to emphasise that its management has not attempted to 'intimidate' or force any pilot to operate in a manner that is inconsistent with the regulations and other provisions governing flight safety," LIAT said in its statement.

The company listed safety as a major consideration, pointing out that it has equipped its aircraft with technology to further enhance aviation safety, "even where this is not legally required".

It also rejected "any suggestion that it has sought to place undue pressure" on its pilots, or any other staff, as a result of the grant, on May 22, of an injunction by the Industrial Court in Antigua and Barbuda.

The injunction restrains LIAT's pilots from taking any further industrial action.

The injunction was filed after the regional airline was forced to cancel a number of flights in Barbados, Trinidad, Grenada and St Vincent after its pilots reported sick.

The LIAT statement complained of what it said were LIALPA's allegations that question the LIAT management's commitment to maintaining the required levels of safety in its flight operations. (TY)