The Tribune

By KEILE CAMPBELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMASAIR has officially added a new ATR 72-600 aircraft to its fleet as part of efforts to relieve pressure on inter-island routes amid growing demand and recent service disruptions.

The 70-seat turboprop departed France earlier this week and is expected to arrive in The Bahamas within days, according to managing director Tracy Cooper. He said the new aircraft will help improve service quality, particularly to the Family Islands, where population growth has increased travel needs.

Mr Cooper noted that the addition is not a replacement for any specific aircraft but rather part of a broader plan to expand capacity. He said one previously grounded aircraft may return to service by mid-year, but two others remain offline awaiting engines from Pratt & Whitney.

The new plane arrives following a difficult holiday season last year, during which only two of Bahamasair’s five ATRs were operational. Two ATR 42s had been grounded since August due to delayed engine repairs, while a 70-seat ATR 72 was taken out of service after suffering a blown tire while taxiing at Palm Beach International Airport.

Although the mechanical issue was later resolved, the airline had to adjust its flight schedule, increase operating hours, and rely more heavily on its 737 jets to maintain service.

Mr Cooper said the new aircraft is intended to strengthen overall reliability and ensure Bahamasair can meet rising travel expectations.