The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank

07/23/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/23/2026 14:42

Caribbean Aviation Scholar weighs in on how Connectivity and Aviation can advance ECC...

22 July 2026, Basseterre, Saint Christopher (St Kitts) and Nevis - In sharing insights from his latest research on Caribbean aviation, Dr. Dennis Mc Call, Senior Aviation Academic, and Air Transport and Sustainability Specialist, notes that the region continues to struggle with high costs, delayed travel, and lack of specialized training for two decades.

On this week's episode of a two-part series of ECCB Connects, Dr Mc Call explains that the most urgent issue to be addressed in the aviation industry at this time is the affordability of travel. He notes that a study revealed that the Caribbean has the highest travel cost in the entire world due to taxes, fees and charges.

In commenting on the proposed regional airline OECS Air, Dr Mc Call advised that a hands-off approach of governments and the establishment of an independent body to govern the airline would also contribute to the success of advancing the cause of cheaper air travel throughout the region.

Dr. Mc Call highlights the fact that aviation plays a very important role in the economic development of the region. He says that it is time the region begins to focus on sustainable aviation and transportation on a whole as well as innovation and digital integration. According to Mc Call, paying attention to these areas will greatly assist with seamless regional travel, trade and logistics and subsequently contribute to doubling the regional economy.

Visit the ECCB Facebook page and YouTube channel to watch the full conversation with Dr Mc Call.

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About the ECCB

Eastern Caribbean Central Bank
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) was established in October 1983. The ECCB is the Monetary Authority for: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat,
Saint Christopher (St Kitts) and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

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The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank published this content on July 23, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 23, 2026 at 20:42 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]