SkyBahamas slams focus on foreign carriers

Sun, Oct 9th 2011, 08:10 AM

The CEO of SkyBahamas says the government is "destroying our domestic business" by supporting foreign airlines instead of helping domestic carriers expand and prosper in the region.
The senior executive pointed to the recent partnership between the Ministry of Tourism and the U.S.-owned Vision Airlines as the most recent example, which is commencing direct service into Freeport from various locations.
This public and private venture is allowing the foreign airline to offer rock-bottom prices, he said.
"The government is so focused on stop-over visitors that they're willing to go any price to get them here," said Randy Butler, CEO and president at SkyBahamas.
"SkyBahamas has been holding the fort as a local company and employs Bahamians. We deliver excellent service. Why weren't we considered for this? It's hindering the growth of local carriers."
According to the Vision Airlines website, guests booking between Nov 2, 2011 and Dec 19, 2011 can take advantage of $1 fares each way from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport, plus taxes and fees.
Direct service will also begin from a number of other U.S. cities, including Louisville, Baltimore, Richard and Raleigh, for just $29.
According to Peter Turnquest, the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce in Grand Bahama, the Grand Lucayan Bahamas Beach & Golf Resort is also working with the partnership, although he wasn't sure to what extent.
"As Chamber president, it will obviously be a good thing for us," he said.

"The airfare is so cheap, it gives us a real shot at attracting the South Florida market.  It's a direct flight so it takes away the hassle of gate changes.  It has the potential to be a benefit for the island, and in that respect, I'm quite happy."
He also confirmed that Vision Airlines is working in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism.
Calls to the Minister of Tourism and Aviation, Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, were not returned up until press time.
Going forward, Butler said he would like to see more consultation between the government and local carriers. He believed it was unfair for the public sector to be choosing foreign carriers before giving the local aviation scene a kick at the can.
Now, he added, SkyBahamas is challenging not only be regular airlines, but also ones that are aided by the government.
He pointed out that, in the past, the government also gave funds to Gulfstream International, which went bust in 2010 and has recently underwent a restructuring.
He said these grants have never been paid back, and yet the airline is currently buying planes to commerce operations once more.
"We must look at The Bahamas as a whole and for our people," Butler said.
"Local airlines need to be provided with more support for growth.  They don't understand these local airlines support the economy."

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