The Tribune

BAHAMASAIR has taken delivery of a second new ATR 72-600 turbo prop plane as part of the company’s upgrading of its fleet fleet. 

The plane’s arrival marks the delivery of the last of the two larger, 70-seat aircraft and will enter into service in the next few days.

Three more planes - the ATR 42-600 model with a 50-seat capacity - are on order and expected to be delivered in time for the summer peak season.

Bahamasair says it has already seen the benefit of having the larger aircraft on heavier routes, specifically Freeport, Marsh Harbour, West Palm Beach and Ft Lauderdale. 

Currently the loads exceed the 50 seats available on the Dash 8; however, with the new ATR 72 servicing these routes is expected to reach its capacity.

The newest addition to Bahamasair’s fleet was flown to New Providence from France by a crew led by Captain Lemuel Ferguson (Bahamasair) and First Officer Franklyn Cambridge (Bahamasair) supervsied by Captain William Remande from ATR France.

Capt Remande will remain in the Bahamas for a month as a part of ATRs training commitment to Bahamasair. ATR’s agreement to place a new training simulator in South Florida strengthens the company’s resolve on the decision to transition to ATR. 

Capt Ferguson and FO Cambridge follow in the footsteps of Capt Shannon Galanis and FO Cameron Pratt who brought the first ATR 72 across the Atlantic.