New Bahamian-owned cargo airline launched

Thu, Sep 8th 2016, 10:51 AM

A Bahamian-owned cargo airline service known as Junkanoo Air is expected to boost economic growth by increasing the circulation of goods throughout The Bahamas and surrounding regions.

Junkanoo Air is also the first HAZMAT (hazardous materials) certified Bahamian airline.

President of Junkanoo Air Christopher King told Guardian Business yesterday that the company's start-up cost was an estimated $700,000.

The airline, as of August 30, 2016, provides air cargo transport services between the U.S. (primarily South Florida), The Bahamas and surrounding countries (including Turks and Caicos, Haiti and Cuba). Junkanoo Air is authorized by the Department of Civil Aviation (Bahamas) and the Federal Aviation Authority (U.S.) to operate commercially.

Speaking on his experience with getting Junkanoo Air off the ground and running, King's review of the ease of doing business was mostly positive, but he said some documentation processes at the Department of Civil Aviation took too long.

Meanwhile, King said that he launched the airline when he realized there was a need in the air cargo sector that wasn't being met sufficiently.

"One of our driving goals is to make air cargo transport more affordable and accessible for businesses in The Bahamas. But it's not just about our rates. Our multi-aircraft fleet allows us to be dependable and reliable for the companies who need it most," said King.

According to a press statement, "Although moving air cargo is traditionally a costly matter, Junkanoo Air promises its rates will be aggressively competitive and among the lowest in the industry."

King said, "Bahamian businesses are poised to expand with the ability to have supplies flown to the Bahamas within hours as opposed to taking days with boats. Interisland commerce can take off now."

He pointed out that he wanted to create air cargo solutions that would accommodate businesses' and consumers' needs by providing interisland transportation throughout the Bahamas and daily flights from the United States.

Xian Smith, Guardian Business Reporter

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