The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

A Cabinet minister said yesterday that negotiations with the US over reclaiming control of the Bahamas’ airspace are expected to resume in two weeks’ time, and that more “specifics” could emerge afterwards.

“Those talks will resume in two weeks, and I hope to be able to give the Bahamian people an update at the end of that meeting,” said Glenys Hanna-Martin, minister of transport and aviation.

“The last meeting held was very positive, but there are no specifics yet. I hope that by the end of this next meeting we will begin to see what the specifics will be.”

The Bahamas’ airspace has been managed by the US since the 1950s, and changing this arrangement could result in additional revenues for the Bahamas.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) controls overflight rights for this nation above a certain altitude, and Bahamian aviation industry executives in recent years have called on the Government to take control of this nation’s airspace and capitalise on millions of dollars in potential revenue.

From December 5-9, the Bahamas will host the International Civil Aviation Negotiation Conference (ICAN). The conference is expected to attract 1,000 international delegates from 100 member countries, and 10 international member organisations of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

“The primary purpose of the meeting will be to negotiate new air routes to the Bahamas. We will be negotiating with 20 countries and signing six agreements,  which include Singapore, Brazil, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, to set the framework for the establishment of air connectivity,” said Mrs Hanna Martin.

“When airlines begin their service, they do so in in accordance with these agreements. Once two governments agree the framework for air connectivity, that paves the way for commercial airlines to come in. We are developing templates that will represent the position of the Bahamas when we negotiate with these other countries.”

With regards to the overhaul of Family Island airports, Mrs Hanna Martin said: “We are completing the plans for Exuma and North Eleuthera. We’re also finalising terminal  plans for Mayaguana, Moore’s Island and Great Harbour Cay.

“We have already finished Bimini and we finished San Salvador. We redeveloped Staniel Cay and extended the runway.  We’re doing studies on Long Island to see what would be the appropriate location for a singular airport. We are also doing studies on Eleuthera.”