The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

EARLY talks are underway on plans to construct a new head office for Bahamasair, with Minister of Works Philip “Brave” Davis saying this could cost the government $5m to $7m.

He also added that while the Christie administration had given thought early in its term to privatising the national airline, efforts by the company’s executives are proving to be fruitful enough to sustain the airline moving forward.

His comments came during a ceremony where Bahamasair unveiled its new executive management slate, with airline and government officials tasking the team with broadening and improving the national airline’s revenue base.

In his address to the newly minted executive team, Mr Davis said while the government has continued the effort to propel Bahamasair back to profitability, the revenue marks are still not where they should be.

“At the start of this administration’s term Bahamasair’s accumulated debt exceeded $514.5m and the annual deficit averaged some $24m,” Mr Davis said.

“Its negative financial position was exacerbated by an aged fleet of aircraft. This level of losses was unsustainable and comprehensive strategies were and are being implemented to make Bahamasair profitable and relieve the Bahamian taxpayers of this financial burden.

“Today Bahamasair is making good steps toward profitability.”

He added: “Our strategic plan for Bahamasair is now addressing a restructuring of the domestic routes and the potential of outsourcing low density routes to reduce the airlines losses. As well, Bahamasair is exploring expansion of the international routes to open up new markets to service our tourist economy.

“Expansion of routes into the West Coast of the United States and Canada is being explored along with more direct flights between the Family Islands and Florida.

“Development of a strong partnership with Baha Mar is being explored to provide airlift support for the resort. Expansion of the international routes has begun with the reintroduction of service into Haiti.”

Mr Davis, the minister with responsibility for Bahamasair, said these along with other positive steps have ended debate over whether or not the airline should be privatised moving forward.

Additionally, Mr Davis indicated that a new corporate office could be on the way for the airline in the coming months, instructing Ministry of Works officials who were present to begin the process of designing and constructing a new building.

Mr Davis told The Tribune that while discussions remain in their infancy stages, he is prepared to allocate roughly $5m to $7m at this time for the needed construction.

The current office building has been in use for more than 50 years, according to airline officials.

Meanwhile, the new management team is made up of 32-year industry veteran Tracy Cooper, the airline’s new managing director, replacing the late Henry “Trottie” Woods who died last September while occupying the post; John Fowler, who has spent 17 years with the company and Prince Fowler, noted maintenance executive in the flight service industry.

Mr Fowler was named senior executive director, while Mr Storr was promoted to the post of maintenance manager.

Valentine Grimes, Bahamasair’s chairman, yesterday called the moves a culmination of an effort that started last September.

Noting that the moment was an important day in the life of the airline, Mr Grimes acknowledged the service of all three men who were officially promoted on Thursday.

Mr Grimes said Mr Storr was the only employee at the airline involved with every aspect of the acquisition of the airline’s costly new fleet.

Of Mr Fowler, Mr Grimes said his service has positioned him as the perfect person for his new post.

Lastly, of Mr Cooper, Mr Grimes said his resolve during a difficult time in the airline’s history proved that he was more than ready to step into the lead role at the airline.

In 2015 the Christie administration and Avions de Transport Régional (ATR) signed a $100 million contract for the purchase of five ATR 600 planes to replace Bahamasair’s aging Dash 8-300 fleet.

The contract finalised the sale of three 50-seat ATR 42-600s and two 70-seat ATR 72-600 planes.