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TRAVEL / TRANSPORTATION
One of the key factors or advantages for Antigua and Barbuda as an offshore investment site is its sound international transportation system and communications system with worldwide links. Antigua's close location to North America is advantageous in that its time zone is the same as the Atlantic Coast in the United States.
The V.C. Bird International Airport can hold the largest aircraft with its 9,000 feet of runway space and a new terminal. It also serves as a gateway to the Eastern Caribbean. In flying time, Miami is about 3 hours away, New York is 4 hours, Toronto 4 hours, London 8 hours, Frankfurt 9 1/4 hours, Paris 8 hours and Puerto Rico 1 hour away. The major airlines which serve the country with frequent flights include Continental, British Airways, Lufthansa, American Airlines, and Air Canada. These and other airlines fly to and from Europe, North America and the rest of the Caribbean. The major airlines also carry cargo. BWIA International, Air Jamaica and LIAT are the major regional airlines that provide service to Antigua. Leeward Island Air Transport (LIAT), has a network of flights throughout the Caribbean, with its headquarters in Antigua. BWIA runs many flights weekly to Europe, North America and some of the Caribbean islands.
There are 3 usable airports, of which 2 have permanent-surface runways, 1 runway of 2,440-3,659 m, and 2 with runways less than 1,220 m.
Here is a list of travel agents and tour operators in Antigua:
Antigua is centrally located for the North and South American market. Shipping facilities are excellent and are able to accommodate many types of cargo. There are modern and efficient port and container handling facilities which provide roll on, roll off, lift on, and lift off cargo. Shipping times are as follows: Miami, 5 days; Europe, 11 days; Canada, 10 days; and Far East, 32 days. There are several major shipping lines that call on Antigua, providing services to the world. There are approximately 367 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,573,063 GRT / 2,147,243 DWT. These include 247 cargo ships, 14 refrigerated cargo ships, 72 container ships, 16 roll-on/roll-off cargo ships, 1 multifunction large load carrier, 3 oil tanker, 6 chemical tanker, 2 liquefied gas and 6 bulk. A flag of convenience registry: Germany owns 12 ships, Slovenia 3, Croatia 2, Cyprus 1, and US 1 (1995 est.)
Highways: 240 km Roads are adequate, although some are in need of paving. There is a good network of roads around the island, and most places are easily accessible by road. The main industrial area is about 1/2 mile from the airport and about 5 miles from the main shipping area in Deep Water Harbour. Several private bus companies provide regular service to all parts of the island to St. John's and the industrial park. Taxis are readily available throughout Antigua. Most fares are fixed and should be decided upon prior to a trip. For example, the fare from the V.C. Bird International Airport to St. John's is US$7; from the airport to Nelson' s Dockyard US$21; and from the airport to Shirley Heights US$21. Taxi drivers are serve as excellent tour guides and sightseeing trips can easily be arranged. There are a number of local and international car rental companies available throughout Antigua. The cost is about US $40-50 per day. You will need a valid driver's licence from your home country, or an international driver's licence, and a local permit to drive in Antigua. This temporary licence is valid for six months at a cost of approximately US$12. Driving in Antigua is on the left side of the road and can be an adventure.
Here is a list of car rental companies:
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