The Bahamas’ 20 airports must be brought up to international standards, while still meeting the needs of the local communities they serve, Prime Minister Philip Davis said yesterday as he addressed the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) conference yesterday.
“We live in a country where nearly 700 islands and cays are spread across vast stretches of ocean, and our ability to connect these islands relies on a robust aviation network,” said Davis.
“With 20 international airports, each serving as a critical gateway, The Bahamas depends on aviation not only to support tourism and trade, but also to provide essential links for our people in regard to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
“This network is more than infrastructure, it is essential to our way of life.”
Davis said the network of airports represents a maintenance challenge that the country needs help solving, especially given that they need to continuously meet the “highest standards of safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility”.
He told the ALTA attendees that their forum provides an opportunity for The Bahamas to collaborate on how to resolve some of the challenges it faces in investing in these airports on an ongoing basis.
“It’s a serious challenge, but one we are committed to meeting, and over time we have proven to be a model of resilience and success in this region,” said Davis.
He added: “In a country like ours, infrastructure is not just a convenience, it’s essential. Our 20 international airports serve as lifelines, providing critical connections across our islands and beyond.
“Every airport, from Nassau’s busy hub to smaller terminals on remote islands, must meet international standards while catering to the needs of its community.
“Our National Aviation Strategic Plan reinforces our commitment to maintaining these standards, ensuring that Bahamian aviation serves as a trusted and effective gateway for our nation.”
He contended that strong partnerships are important for The Bahamas to sustain its aviation sector, noting that collaborations with Latin American and Caribbean airlines, airport operators, and international aviation bodies will help the country to support its aviation goals.
Davis added that the country has to expand its connectivity to Latin America, given that tourism is the country’s economy’s backbone.
“By enhancing connectivity within The Bahamas and increasing routes to international markets, particularly in Latin America, we strengthen our economy, support our communities, and open doors for new opportunities,” he said.
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Publish date : 2024-10-30 00:20:00
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