NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The national flag carrier, Bahamasair, on Thursday commissioned a 138-seater jet, which completes its 125-million-dollar acquisition of nine aircraft for an improved fleet.
Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar assured that the new jet is expected to ease the load for the airline that has had its share of operational challenges in recent months.
“As minister of tourism and aviation, the opportunities for Bahamasair are endless,” the minister said.
“There are many markets that remain unserved and provide the potential for a high volume of air stopover arrivals.
“The tourism ministry and the hotel industry are ready to work as closely as possible to allow Bahamasair to explore and pursue new growth opportunities, and I encourage Bahamas air to heed that advice.”
Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis said the new jet also allows the national flag carrier to expand non-stop flight services, which will bring additional revenue.
“The ng series of the 737 is designed to be a workhorse that keeps operating and maintenance cost low. They are widely used by airlines throughout the industry and have also maintained a reputation for reliability,” the prime minister said.
“Our new jet has increased seating capacity of 138 with a flying range of five hours fully loaded. This places the entire United States with the exception of Alaska and Hawaii within non-stop service of New Providence. This increased range opens new doors of opportunity to showcase our far-flung archipelago…”
The prime minister also revealed plans to transition into a fully digital system. He said Bahamasair is committed to the use of technology that is aimed at promoting enhanced services, efficiency and reliability such as in-flight entertainment and the launch of self-check stations.
The prime minister said a renewed focus is also on customer engagement and service which will define the way forward for Bahamas air.
D’Aguilar said that he completely agrees with the prime minister’s announcement.
“Nothing is more frustrating to me as minister [than] to go into that airport and see that line down the door, around the corner, and up the street, because we are still using a very archaic system of check-in,” D’Aguilar said.
The new jet is expected to make a non-stop flight to Los Angeles.
