Government exploring measures to reduce operating cost of Bahamasair

Pictured from left: Minister of Public Works and Transport the Hon Neko Grant; Minister of Health the Hon Hubert Minnis and Minister of National Security the Hon Tommy Turnquest. (BIS photo/Letisha Henderson)

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Nassau, Bahamas -- The Government of The Bahamas is exploring cost-effective measures to reduce the cost of operating Bahamasair, the national flag carrier. 

The airline's Board of Directors along with Government Ministers and other stakeholders got a first hand look at Bombardier Q400 NextGen turboprop aircraft. The Ministers viewed a presentation, participated in a visual walk-around and toured the cabin, Thursday, April 15. 

Included on the demonstration tours were Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon Brent Symonette; Minister of Public Works and Transport the Hon Neko C Grant; Minister of National Security the Hon Tommy Turnquest; Minister of the Environment the Hon Earl Deveaux; Minister of Health the Hon Hubert Minnis and Minister of Tourism Senator the Hon Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace. 

“Bahamasair's Board of Directors has been working extremely hard as they seek to ease the burden of Bahamasair on the taxpayers,” said Minister Grant, whose portfolio includes Bahamasair.

“They have been doing a number of exercises to achieve that. One of the challenges is that the fleet is old and the maintenance is high and we need to re-fleet. We have looked at the Bombardier Q400 as a possible replacement as we seek to renew our fleet.” 

The Q400 features an enhanced cabin environment with the introduction of LED lighting, and larger overhead luggage bins.

Derek Clarke, marketing manager for Bombardier's Caribbean region described the Q400 as the most technologically advanced turboprop in the industry.  The aircraft is just as large as the Boeing 737 that Bahamasair presently operates. “The Boeing burns almost three times as much fuel as the Q400 today. This means that we are putting a lot more gas into the environment than we need to,” said Mr Clarke.

“We can get to all of the markets that you currently operate to and go beyond those markets. We are considering potentially Kingston and Havana flights and we can get to Atlanta if you need to,” he added.

The Q400 offers a total savings of $8.64 million a year inclusive of fuel, maintenance and landing fees.

“We have been impressed with the presentation, the economics and of comfort it,” said Mr Grant. “The 76-seater fits well into what we are doing. The savings are enormous and we thought it was important to have a physical look at this airplane as we chart the way forward. We are in the planning stages. We are looking at it and considering it, but no decision has been made.

“The Government is presently, on an average, contributing $25 million a year to keep Bahamasair flying and this cannot continue. We have to devise ways and means to reduce the burden of Bahamasair on the Bahamian taxpayer.

"Seven aircraft presently make up Bahamasair's fleet and that does not suffice. We are challenged in terms of our scheduling and we are almost restricted to day flying which has an affect on the overall operation. As we seek to re-fleet we hope to overcome these challenges and funds are required to do so,” Mr Grant said.

Bombardier also showcased the Q400 with similar presentations for Government officials, stakeholders and residents in Freeport, and in Marsh Harbour, Abaco.

Photo Caption:
Government Ministers are pictured chatting as they tour the Q400 NextGen. Pictured from left: Minister of Public Works and Transport the Hon Neko Grant; Minister of Health the Hon Hubert Minnis and Minister of National Security the Hon Tommy Turnquest. (BIS photo/Letisha Henderson)

By: Kathryn Campbell

Bahamas Information Services