The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamas is emerging as a regional leader in air transport development through collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), its president said.

Dr Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, addressing a press conference at the International Civil Aviation Negotiation Conference (ICAN), applauded the Bahamas for being able to host close to 1,000 delegates from nearly 100 members countries. 

Dr Aliu said the conference has  enabled member countries to conclude multiple air services agreements in one sitting, making it a very cost-efficient event.

The Bahamas was expected to sign six additional Air Service Agreements with Qatar, Singapore, New Zealand, Curaçao, Brazil and Kuwait, and also start negotiations with 20 other countries.

Speaking on the conference, Dr Aliu said: “This is a major undertaking for a developing country like  the Bahamas, and we appreciate the effort of the Government to support it. It underscores the importance  that the Bahamas attaches to air transport.”

He added: “It also underscores the commitment of the Government of the Bahamas to international air connectivity  and collaboration.

“The take away is that we can achieve a lot working together, but we need regional assistance to do this. We cannot do it only from our offices in Montreal. The Bahamas is emerging as a  leader in this region to collaborate with ICAO, and that is a significant leadership position to take.”