News & Notes

On July 2nd, 2024, the Cabinet of the Bahamas sent aid supplies to Grenada to assist with the restoration of their nation in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.

Hurricane Beryl made landfall Monday, directly hitting Carriacou, part of Grenada in the Windward Islands.

Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell said, “In half an hour, Carriacou was flattened,”

Hurricane Beryl has killed at least one person and is leaving a trail of destruction across the Caribbean as the now Category 5 storm moves toward Jamaica.

Consul General Alveta Knight has been instructed to advise Bahamian students who wish to leave Jamaica in the face of Hurricane Beryl, that a 50-seater Bahamasair aircraft is being sent to the airport in Kingston this afternoon, July 2nd, 2024.

The Bahamas will maintain communications with our regional allies and assist as best as we can.

As we pray for God’s continued protection of the Bahamas and its citizens, let us also pray for our regional neighbors.

For Bahamians stationed in Jamaica in need of further assistance, please reach out to:

The Bahamas Consulate General, Jamaica
Consul General Alveta Knight
WhatsApp: +1 (876) 436-8768
Email: Alvetaknight@bahama.gov.bs

On 2 July 2024, The Bahamas Department of Aviation welcomed five summer students to participate in the Emerging Aviator Summer Programme. High school students (as pictured, left to right) Johnathan Rahming, Dashia Ferguson,  Fayth Deleveaux, André Rolle (Junior Director of Tourism), and Romiko Glinton  began their budding careers this week at the Department of Aviation Downtown Office. This six-week immersive experience will allow the new generation of the Bahamian workforce to receive invaluable mentorship in an innovative and ever-evolving industry.

Director of Aviation and Deputy Director General of Tourism, Dr. Kenneth Romer, offered a missive of welcome stating, "The Department of Aviation is personally and professionally committed to the enhancement of human capital. We can forecast the future of aviation by cultivating a new generation of emerging aviation professionals."

The students are poised to visit eight agencies overseen by the Department of Aviation in order to gain a clearer perspective on career goals and future aspirations. Dr. Romer expressed his enthusiasm stating, "The seeds we plant today become the harvest we reap tomorrow."

Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper said on June 12, 2024, that the $125M Saudi Fund for Development loan will accelerate the government’s Airport Renaissance Program, with several family island airport redevelopments on track. 

Addressing several family island airport redevelopment projects during his budget debate contribution, Cooper, the Exuma and Ragged Island MP and Minister for Tourism, Investments, and Aviation, stated: “One of the highlights of this budget process is the $125 million Saudi Fund for Development loan to accelerate this Airport Renaissance Program. Once again, the borrowing to be approved by resolution in this budget is for 25 years with a rate of 2.5 percent with no payments required for five years.” 

Cooper noted that just over six months ago, the government signed a management agreement for the $80 million redevelopment of the airport at South Bimini with Bimini Airport Development Partners, noting that before the end of 2025, there will be a ribbon-cutting for the South Bimini Airport. 

“In Grand Bahama, we have started works on the demolition of the Grand Bahama International Airport, and a contract for its design-build has been executed. We are building two beautiful, elevated terminals in Phase I. This is a design-build project and will be expedited,” said Cooper. He added: “In Cat Island, we’re building a new terminal at New Bight and expanding the runway. The airside will be mobilized by February of next year and the landside work has already been mobilized. We anticipate that the airport will be fully complete by the third quarter of 2025.” Cooper noted that the Exuma airport will also be ready in 2025 following delays. 

“The FNM signed a contract for the construction of a new Exuma International Airport prior to the last general election, then had a groundbreaking and didn’t even bother to invite me. I showed up anyhow. The only problem is that there was no financing in place to pay the contractor. The contractor spent its own money doing work, effectively running up the bill with no mechanism in place to pay it. So, guess what happens when you don’t pay the contractor? The contractor stops working. The contractor claimed they were owed almost $14 million. I want to say that again – $14 million.” Cooper added: “Despite non-payment issues leading to work stoppages, efforts are now focused on resolving claims and ensuring the resumption of construction this summer.” 

Cooper noted that since January 2024, significant strides on the landside project have been made. “Additional considerations, including potential cost increases for housing and asphalt, as well as ongoing land acquisition for the Air Traffic Control tower, are being meticulously addressed. The airside project, awarded for $34.4 million, commenced in January 2023. The scope of work includes comprehensive pavement rehabilitation, new taxiway installation, drainage infrastructure, airside lighting, and electrical installations. Despite some delays, the project is on track for substantial completion by May 2025,” said Cooper. 

Cooper added: “On Long Island, the Deadman’s Cay Airport project, with its design substantially complete and Cabinet approval secured, exemplifies our commitment to leveraging public-private partnerships (PPP) for efficient project delivery. With options to execute a design-build contract, tender documents are expected to be prepared within 6-8 weeks, a 6,000 ft runway to encourage regional jet traffic, with a budget of $10 million. The project aims for completion within 12 months for the terminal and 24 months for the runway.” 

Regarding the Black Point Airport project, Cooper noted that utilizing the Great Harbour Cay template, the design includes a seating capacity for 70-80 passengers, a 6,000-foot runway, and a 6,000 square-foot air terminal building, with port of entry and a $7 million price tag, with a 12 to 18 months completion timeframe. 

Cooper further stated: “In September 2021, the design contract for North Eleuthera Airport Landside works was awarded to Alexiou & Associates for $1.6 million. The design, similar to Exuma Airport with some modifications, includes an expansion of the departures area to accommodate 400 passengers, which was approved in April 2024. The ongoing design of the Air Terminal Building and Crash Fire Rescue facilities highlights our commitment to enhancing passenger experience and safety. The airside works for $16 million will involve comprehensive pavement rehabilitation, new taxiway installation, and enhanced airside lighting and electrical installations. The ministry decided in January 2024 to redirect funds to rehabilitate the existing runway. The design is expected to be finalized by June 2024, with a construction contract signing this year. North Eleuthera, your airport will be coming as well.” 

In Mangrove Cay, the government plans to build a 3,400-square-foot terminal, the bid for which will go out to tender by January of next year, with that project expected to take 18 months to complete. 

“We are considering this model for Moore’s Island and Mayaguana too. In Rum Cay, we will be building a terminal similar to Ragged Island fully equipped with solar energy. This will go to tender in 2024 and take 12 months to complete. We apologize to the people of Mayaguana. Your airport has seen decades of neglect. What’s there needs to be demolished,” Cooper stated, assuring that the island will get a new airport. 

Cooper commenting on tourism arrivals noted that from January to April 2024, The Bahamas has seen a significant increase in foreign air and sea arrivals, marking a 12.4 percent rise compared to the same period in the record-setting 2023. “Simply put, that translates to almost 4 million visitors in 4 months. If this average holds and we hope it does, a million a month will result in a 20 percent increase year over year or 12 million overall arrivals at year-end. This growth not only highlights our resilience but also underscores the enduring allure of The Bahamas as a premier travel destination,” said Cooper.

Students have received scholarships to become jet pilots through partnership with Qatar Aeronautical Academy and The Bahamas Aeronautical Academy.

Brittany Ford is from Ragged Island and attended school in Exuma at LN Coakley High School, ultimately graduating from Saint Andrew’s Anglican School, Exuma.

Aysia Thurston is from New Providence and attended St Augustine’s College.

Chester Cooper, Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation said that the ladies are making a “major step” in the world of aviation which has 95 percent male jet pilots and 97 percent male CEOs.

“This is a major step for women in aviation and youth in aviation,” he said.

“Women pilots account for approximately five percent of the total jet pilots in the world. Among airlines and aviation companies, about three percent of the CEOs are women. Therefore, we are delighted to be able to contribute to the advancement of women in aviation.”

He added that the programme will provide new opportunities for local students and expressed his gratitude to Qatar for partnering in the initiate.

“This initiative showcases our commitment to nurturing local talent and propelling the youth toward exceptional opportunities,” he said.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the State of Qatar for their generosity and investment in the future of Bahamian aviation and look forward to strengthening our relationship even further.”

The scholarship covers full room, board, and tuition, courtesy of Qatar, while the Department of Aviation will provide airfare and a relocation allowance.

Additionally, the Louise Cooper Scholarship Foundation generously contributed medical insurance coverage of $2,400 per year, per student.

The 19-year-old scholarship winner, who grew up playing on simulators, said the prize is awarded annually by Captain Smith to a young Bahamian that is interested in pursuing a career in aviation.

Dearje McKinney, the recipient of this year’s Captain Sean Smith scholarship developed a passion for aviation from the tender age of three.

He said that as a child, he became interested in aviation due to the influence of his grandfather and uncle and always knew that he wanted to pursue a career in aviation.

"It's something I always wanted to do from I was a kid. My interest came from a combination of my uncle and my grandfather. My grandfather used to be a taxi driver, my uncle is in the aviation industry now he works to American Airlines, and back in the day he worked for Gulfstream,” said Dearje.

“Between the two of them having me around it, my love just grew for it even more, and I knew it was the only thing I wanted.”

“Captain Sean Smith does the scholarship every year to give opportunities to Bahamians that are interested in aviation to pursue their career in the industry,” said Dearje.

“I just got accepted into Delta State University and I should be leaving this year to pursue my degree in flight operations. I’m also currently doing a course in cybersecurity with Google.”

The Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, emphasised the significance of of the new nonstop service, hailing the new flight as a testament of the strong partnership with industry leaders and the growing appetite for The Bahamas Out Islands.

The new route is the sixth Bahamas-based destination that the U.S airline currently services. The other routes are: North Eleuthera; Nassau, New Providence; Freeport, Grand Bahama; George Town, Exuma, and Marsh Harbour, Abaco.

“This new airlift, just one month into 2024, underscores a holistic approach and unwavering commitment of the Ministry to aggressively expand airlift into our 16 island destinations,” Cooper said.

“We continue to offer a diverse authentic experience to travellers, in partnership with our industry partners and airlines such as American Airlines. We look forward to fostering continued partnerships and providing a uniquely memorable Bahamas experience to travellers with this new American Airlines route.

Governor’s Harbour Airport recently underwent expansions and upgrades to the Departures and Arrivals Terminals, along with improvements to the fire station. This infrastructural improvement aligns with the government’s commitment to upgrading island airports under the Family Islands Renaissance Initiative, as outlined in The National Aviation Strategic Plan.

“We are excited to celebrate the launch of our sixth destination in The Bahamas, Governor’s Harbour, further strengthening our commitment to this unspoiled paradise. This new route marks our next step as we continue to expand American’s presence in the Caribbean and Atlantic, where we are proud to lead as the largest U.S. airline,” said José María Giraldo, American Airlines Managing Director of Operations for Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America.

“With this new destination, we will now be offering up to 30 peak-day flights to The Bahamas, playing a vital role in the country’s travel and tourism industry.”

The inaugural flight was marked by a ribbon cutting ceremony in both Miami and Governor’s Harbour. The event was attended by top government officials and executives of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments &Aviation including the Hon. Clay Sweeting, Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs, and Dr. Kenneth Romer, Deputy Director General, MOTIA. During the ceremony, American Airlines executives were presented with a special ceremonial gift to mark the longstanding relationship with The Islands of The Bahamas.

The direct service will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays from Miami to Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera. Travellers can learn about the new route and the destination by visiting aa.com or bahamas.com for more information.

Amidst a gathering of key industry professionals, government officials, and aviation enthusiasts, the stage was set for an ambitious roadmap that aims to propel the Bahamas' aviation infrastructure into a new era of efficiency, safety, and growth.

Central to the discussion was the unveiling of the 2024 Vision Card, which serves as a comprehensive blueprint detailing this year’s strategic initiatives, development plans, and status update on active developments. Crafted with meticulous detail, the Vision Card outlines a series of targeted objectives and actionable steps designed to enhance various facets of the aviation sector.

One of the highlights of the 2024 Vision Card is its focus on infrastructure development. Recognizing the critical role that modern infrastructure plays in facilitating seamless air travel, the Bahamas Department of Aviation has outlined plans for significant investments in airport upgrades, air traffic management systems, and terminal expansions. These enhancements aim to not only accommodate the growing demand for air travel but also to elevate the overall passenger experience.

Furthermore, the 2024 Vision Card places a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship. In line with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the environmental impact of aviation, the Bahamas Department of Aviation is committed to implementing eco-friendly practices and exploring innovative solutions to promote greener skies.

During the stakeholders’ meeting, participants engage in fruitful discussions, providing valuable insights and feedback on the proposed initiatives. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of partnership and collective effort in driving meaningful change within the aviation industry.

As the Bahamas continues to position itself as a premier aviation hub in the Caribbean region, the unveiling of the 2024 Vision Card marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards sustainable growth and development. By harnessing the power of strategic planning, innovation, and collaboration, the Bahamas Department of Aviation is poised to chart a course towards a brighter future for aviation in the islands.

The inaugural flight carried approximately 50 passengers. The new service, which will operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays, allows Bahamian locals to explore mainland Florida, while at the same time, providing travelers direct access to Exuma without the need for a stopover in Nassau.

During a ceremonial ribbon-cutting event at the Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL), Tracy Cooper, Managing Director of Bahamasair, was delighted with the new service. He highlighted that the decision to add the flight to the Airline’s roster was a direct response to the public's demand. He added that the move signified Bahamasair's commitment to delivering a quality product.

"Today, we are thrilled to inaugurate our first flight between Georgetown and Fort Lauderdale, marking a significant milestone in expanding our reach and enhancing connectivity," Mr. Cooper said. "Next year, we are looking to acquire more airplanes, leading to increased rotations and even more accessibility."

For the route, ATR aircraft will travel between the Georgetown International Airport and Terminal 1 at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, with an estimated flight time of approximately 90 minutes.

Lamar Fisher, Broward County Mayor, emphasized the significant impact of Bahamasair not only on the airport, but also on the county. The mayor pointed out that The Bahamas currently ranks as the 5th largest international market for FLL. He highlighted the strong cultural, historical, and business ties between South Florida and The Bahamas, expressing optimism that the new route to Georgetown would strengthen the connections.

"We welcome the Georgetown route,” said Mayor Fisher “We look forward to the tourism, business and trade benefits to come, connecting Broward County to another island in The Bahamas.”

Highlighting the significance of this milestone, Dr. Kenneth Romer, Deputy Director General and Director of Aviation at The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, characterized the launch as historic. He conveyed his enthusiasm as The Bahamas reached another major achievement, having welcomed approximately 7.9 million visitors in the first nine months of 2023.

Dr. Romer underscored the government's strategic vision to boost overall arrival numbers.

"This milestone is particularly noteworthy because, despite the ongoing efforts of our longstanding partner airlines to bring people to The Islands of The Bahamas, I am delighted that our national airline, Bahamasair, has left its mark and etched history,” he said. "We are highly pleased with Bahamasair's initiatives; they consistently make us proud. Their exploration of new routes has our full government support."

According to Dr. Romer, the new route not only adds value to the airline’s route network but is also valuable to Exuma’s economy. "This inaugural has significant economic value and benefit because each person who comes into Exuma on a plane contributes 28 times more than a cruise arrival," said Dr. Romer. "So, when we look at Bahamasair adding additional seat capacity to Exuma, that translates in a tangible way to heads in beds and money into the economy of Exuma."

Georgetown, Exuma serves as the gateway to an unparalleled Bahamian experience, with access to pristine beaches, ranked among the world's best. Exuma is also home to the world-famous swimming pigs. Exuma and its neighboring island to the South - Long Island - will both benefit from the new route. Over the past 26 years, Bahamasair has provided transportation to FLL. During that period, the Airline has conducted over 65,000 flights and transported more than 4 million passengers.

With Georgetown, Exuma added to its schedule, the Airline now offers seven (7) daily flights to Fort Lauderdale to and from other Bahamian Family Islands: Nassau and Freeport, Grand Bahama.

“As we have seen today, this direct link between coasts will open doors for countless travellers to experience the beauty, warmth and rich heritage of our country without the hassle of multiple connections,” said the Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “We are thrilled to continue welcoming passengers on the new JetBlue service, ensuring their arrival to our shores is nothing short of extraordinary.”

The first JetBlue flight #2710 from Los Angeles arrived today at Lynden Pindling International Airport where passengers were greeted and embraced in true Bahamian style, with a spirited and traditional Bahamian Junkanoo welcome, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience in The Bahamas.

“We are excited to introduce a new option to connect our customers in Los Angeles to the destinations they want to fly,” said Erik Hildebrandt, Director, Domestic Cities, JetBlue. “This new service to Nassau will bring more great service and everyday low fares to more customers, will expand our network and international presence in the Caribbean and open a direct option to Nassau, a world class and popular destination.”

Travellers arriving in Nassau and Paradise Island are welcomed with numerous luxury resorts, diverse dining, shopping, a vibrant nightlife and endless authentic Bahamian culture – from art exhibits to historical landmarks. The bustling capital also serves as the launch pad and gateway to unlock the splendour of all 16 unique islands in The Bahamas.

“We are thrilled that it is now easier than ever for those in Los Angeles to reach Nassau and Paradise Island to experience all that these two islands have to offer,” said Joy Jibrilu, CEO, Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board. “From outstanding accommodations and beautiful beaches to delicious dining and authentic cultural experiences, Nassau and Paradise Island are full of Bahamian spirit, and we look forward to welcoming those from the West Coast with JetBlue’s new direct service.”

JetBlue, known for its low fares and great service, features the most legroom in coach (a); fast, free and unlimited high-speed Fly-Fi (b); complimentary name-brand snacks and drinks; and seatback entertainment at every seat. The new route will also offer customers JetBlue’s awardwinning Mint premium experience, featuring its lie-flat seats, innovative design touches and a restaurant-style small plate dining concept from Delicious Hospitality Group (DHG).

The direct flights will operate once weekly, departing both Los Angeles and Nassau on Saturdays at 7 a.m. and 4:42 p.m., respectively. Travellers can learn about the new service and the destination by visiting JetBlue.com, Bahamas.com and NassauParadiseIsland.com. 

The Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, said: “I am pleased to see the launch of the first-ever Bahamas Aviation Week. As an archipelagic nation, aviation plays an integral role in social connectivity and stimulating the economy for local communities.

Added DPM Cooper, “I wish to express my gratitude to the aviation leaders for their efforts, commitment, focus, drive and synergy. We will continue to execute the mandate of our National Aviation Strategic Plan, as we aim to be a global trailblazer in aviation excellence.

Aviation Week will begin with Bahamasair leading a delegation at the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) Conference in Cancún, Mexico, on Sunday, Oct. 22, followed by a week of activities during which respective agencies in the sector will showcase their recent achievements and reveal goals for the future.

Dr. Kenneth Romer, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation said, “This historic Aviation Week and the plethora of activities further solidify a shared commitment to the strategic transformation of our aviation ecosystem that will position our destination as the regional exemplar of aviation excellence”.

Coming out of Aviation Week is a slew of exciting news of new and returning airlift, featuring prominent airlines such as Bahamasair, Air Canada, Air Carïbes, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Neos Alpitour, Sunwing, JetBlue, Silver Airways and Western Air. Also, new airlift scheduled for November 2023 to January 2024 will showcase an expanded network of connections. The reintroduction of vertical airlift (helicopter) with Flex Jet and the expansion of Amphibious Airlift (Sea planes) adds a dynamic dimension to The Bahamas' aviation landscape.

Aviation enthusiasts are invited to join the conversation on social media using #BahamasAviationWeek.