The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

A Bahamasair competitor says the Government has failed to adequately explain how it will cut the national flag carrier’s debt and make it profitable, despite signing a $100 million contract to add five new ATR-600 aircraft to its fleet.

“They continue to put money behind Bahamasair, which has lost over half a billion dollars in its existence,” said Captain Randy Butler, Sky Bahamas’ president and chief executive.

“When looking at Bahamasair’s financials, there is no forward planning on this airline saying how Bahamasair is going to help build the country’s tourism industry.

“They signed a contract for $100 million to get new airplanes. They have not adequately said what they are going to do with them, how it’s going to build our industry, how it’s going to cut their debt and how they are going to make money.”

During his mid-year Budget communication, Prime Minister Perry Christie briefly noted that Bahamasair is upgrading its fleet with the acquisition of new ATR aircraft for the provision of enhanced air services to points in south Florida, Havana and within the Bahamas.

Captain Butler, though, said the move was ill-considered, adding: “The new airplanes will now compete with the domestic carriers and, unfortunately, take some of them out of business.

“I see them moaning about now about having to pay Business License and it’s pathetic. They’re worrying about Cuba, but Sky Bahamas has gone and done what Bahamasair hasn’t been able to do in 43 years.

“We’ve gone and connected to the international market. We are now a flag carrier. We go places where Bahamasair won’t go, like Cat Island, where we’re responsible for getting food, medicine and helping the people out.

“When the Government is ready, during regatta time they will send a Dash 8 and send it for nothing. Bahamasair continues to be the dinosaur in the room. It’s not about business.”