NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is again urging the Bahamian government to revisit a controversial customs fee hike, warning in a November 22nd letter to businesses that the increased costs for private pilots could harm tourism and the local economy.
Imposed in July of this year, the new Bahamas Customs and Excise Department fee structure, according to AOPA, represents a threefold increase in inbound fees and a sixfold increase in outbound fees for private pilots. According to AOPA change forces many private pilots, who primarily fly small airplanes as tourists, to pay higher fees than a Boeing 737 operated by commercial airlines.
Mark R. Baker, AOPA CEO and President, noted in the letter, “On July 1st, much to our surprise, the Bahamian government imposed egregious customs fees on private pilots. These pilots primarily fly small aircraft and often bring family and friends to visit the islands. They are private aircraft operators and do not fly for hire but are now being forced to pay more in fees than a major commercial airline transporting hundreds of people.”
Baker continued, “Today, under the new Bahamas Customs fee structure, a private pilot flying in a small airplane to the Bahamas as a tourist now pays as much if not more than a Boeing 737 operated by a major commercial airline. These fees on private aircraft are simply unfair, unreasonable, and unsustainable. Many pilots have already stopped flying to The Bahamas, and I suspect many will not return as long as this fee structure remains in place. I have heard private pilots are discussing boycotting the Bahamas until this fee issue is resolved.”
He emphasized the economic contributions of private pilots, stating: “These pilots bring valuable business to your islands and help stimulate your local economy. We hope Bahamian officials will realize this and reconsider how they are negatively impacting tourism.”
Baker also revealed that AOPA had sought dialogue with the government. “On September 5th, I requested a meeting in The Bahamas with Prime Minister Davis to discuss the new customs fees and how they are deterring pilots from visiting the islands. Unfortunately, I have not received a response to that request. AOPA has also proposed a much fairer fee structure (see attached) that would benefit all. Again, Bahamian government officials have not responded. We remain hopeful Prime Minister Davis will revisit the AOPA fee proposal for private pilots so, together, we can continue to promote general aviation travel and preserve the long-standing relationship that AOPA and the government of The Bahamas has cultivated for years,” Baker concluded.
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