The Bahamas Association of Air Transport Operators (BAATO) was recently hosted on 26th February and 4th March 2016 by the Ministry of Transport & Aviation to address concerns identified with both the Civil Aviation Bill 2015 and The Bahamas Aviation Safety Regulations (BASR). During the working sessions, the stakeholders of the Bahamian aviation industry discussed recommendations for the holistic improvement of the industry. >

A primary recommendation is for the inclusion of the Voluntary Reporting Scheme into the Civil Aviation Bill 2015, in conjunction with the implementation of the separation of civil aviation governing agencies.

Stakeholders expressed their commitment to foster a consultative environment and an atmosphere of inclusion to encourage the best alternatives for the development of an effective and efficient Bahamian aviation industry. Further discussion between the stakeholders and the Ministry of Transport & Aviation is anticipated, as the stakeholders’ current recommendations are considered for implementation in the Civil Aviation Bill 2015 and the Bahamas Safety Regulations 2015.

The stakeholders await confirmation of the recommended corrective action relative to the Bill and Safety Regulations. It is anticipated that the proposed fee structure for the Bahamian aviation industry will be addressed in a future working session.

Photo: From left: Hubert Adderley, Manager - Flight Standards Inspectorate; Patrick Rolle, Consultant - Ministry of Transport & Aviation; Wolf Seyfert; Anthony Hamilton, President BAATO / Vice Chairman AOC; Buscheme Armbrister; Llewellyn Boyer-Cartwright , Partner – Callenders & Co; Lynden Mitchell, BAATO Executive; Charles Albury, Under Secretary – Ministry of Transport & Aviation