The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The agreement to exempt Bahamian aircraft operators from paying fees to US regulators on domestic flights was yesterday praised as “a long time coming”, one aviation consultant suggesting the Government will gain more than $30 million in annual revenues once it retakes full control of its airspace.

Kevin Turnquest, Aviation Consultants’ president, told Tribune Business: “This is a bold undertaking and I commend  Minister Hanna-Martin and her team for their vision and perseverance in securing such an agreement.

“It has  been a long time coming, and this state of affairs has gone on for far too long, as other countries in the region - notably Jamaica and Cuba - have had control of their respective airspace for quite some time.”

The exemption agreement between the Government and the US  Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is likely the first step in the Bahamas taking back control of its own air space via the creation of a Flight Information Region (FIR).

Mr Turnquest added: “For the local airlines, particularly the commuters, this will result in reduced operating costs as they were being charged on a per flight basis.

“It is said that one operator alone was being charged usage fees that amounted to over  $100,000 per annum.”

Under international law, countries require airlines and other aircraft to pay a fee for the right to fly over their airspace. The administration of those rights for the Bahamas has been performed by the FAA, meaning Bahamasair and other Bahamian-owned carriers have had to pay the US for the right to fly over their own country.

Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday said “considerable progress” is now being made on proposed arrangements for the management of this nation’s airspace, including plans to approach the International Civil Aviation Organisation for formal recognition of an expanded Bahamian Flight Information Region (FIR), “which would have economic benefits to the Bahamas and would be in the mutual interest of both countries with respect to aviation safety and security”.

Mr Turnquest added: “The Government also stands to benefit from annual revenues estimated to be in excess of S30 million once the takeover plan is fully implemented.

“These are substantial earnings that could go a long way in upgrading the Family Island airports that need rehabilitation and structural upgrades. All the Bahamian airlines and those persons who have to been advocating for many years that the Bahamas would benefit from  the management and control of its own airspace are also to be commended.”