The Tribune

By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

AIRSPACE users will eventually be charged for aviation meteorology services provided by the Bahamas Aviation, Climate & Severe Weather Network (BACSWN) as the organisation moves to recover the cost of operating its First-of-its-Kind NextGEN Meteorological Watch Office and investing other critical infrastructure, such as live flight tracking its Chief Operating Officer Michael Strachan said.

Mr Strachan, who is also The Bahamas’ ambassador to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), said the charges will be introduced in accordance with BACSWN’s Heads of Agreement, local and international regulations.

Mr Strachan was in Mexico City for an ICAO meeting on Airport and Air Navigation Services User Charges at the ICAO NACC Regional Headquarters.

He participated in a panel discussion on the implementation of ICAO policies and how small island states should structure cost-recovery charging schemes to account for their unique geographic and economic challenges compared with more developed countries.

The articles of the Chicago Convention and ICAO guidance form “the framework that all countries follow in regards to the levying of aviation service fees to assist with the safe and efficient passage of each and every flight belonging to every commercial, cargo or private carrier using the 173,000 sq miles of our  strategically located sovereign archipelago” “The meeting gives us,  as stakeholders,  a change to review updates and understand challenges and successes our counterparts have faced,” he said.

Mr Strachan said The Bahamas faces particular challenges because of the number and geographic spread of its airports.

“The Bahamas has a unique conundrum as we have 20+ airports almost all separated my water which increases the costs of infrastructure, maintenance and even personnel in those area which is a challenge most countries don’t face,” he said.

“So it goes beyond simply applying a charge for services it has to be a realistic view of what those services costs which aren’t optional, they are critical to safety, growth in aviation and economy enhancement for the Bahamas in general,” he said.

Mr Strachan also addressed concerns surrounding the Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority (BANSA), saying the issue is mainly related to retroactive charging and ensuring charges are in line with the services provided.

“The issue surrounding BANSA is mainly due to retroactive charging and it being in line with services provided which is a key function of Article 13 and 15. I think what’s needed is uniformity and more robust information being made available to airspace users to mitigate any issues,” he said.

He said the ICAO meeting allowed stakeholders to review updates and understand the challenges and successes experienced by counterparts in other countries.

Mr Strachan said the discussions were particularly relevant to The Bahamas because of the higher costs associated with providing aviation services across its geographically dispersed islands smack dab in hurricane alley.