Any potential sale of the government-owned and operated Nassau Flight Services Limited (NSF) will be open to Bahamian investors only, Minister of Tourism and Aviation the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar said.

Addressing a recent Client Appreciation Cocktail Reception at Balmoral Club, May 25, 2018 hosted by the Board of Directors, Senior Executives, Management and Staff of Nassau Flight Services Limited, Minister D’Aguilar said the Government of The Bahamas is exploring the option of privatizing Nassau Flight Services.

Mr. D’Aguilar said the process is “probably six to eight months away from coming to a conclusion.”

“It is our fundamental belief that the private sector, in the hands of Bahamians, will serve the customers better; would bring about significant investment in Nassau Flight Services; will allow it to be more profitable, and will result in more modern equipment and improved services,” Mr. D’Aguilar said.

“The private sector is more nimble and is better able to react to the changing markets and so this government wants to change a policy that has been in effect for many years - which is the Government has to run everything and that is why we are moving in that direction.

“The Government has expressed an interest in seeking to put into the hands of Bahamians, companies that are presently in the hands of the Government. And so we are going to explore this privatization process. The accountants are looking at it, they are coming back to us with an evaluation and then it has to go to Cabinet to see whether we can get approval for it.

“Once we have that, then we will open it up to Bahamians – only Bahamians, to apply if they would like to invest in Nassau Flight Services, to rejuvenate, to reinvigorate to reinvest in Nassau Flight Services to allow for its rebirth.”

Mr. D’Aguilar said a key component of any potential privatization of the company is to ensure that the employees “are taken care off” and that both clients and employees “are not disrupted during this process.”

“We would want to ensure that the employees of NFS are protected, are cared for, are looked after as a part of this process. I don’t want anyone to be unduly concerned. Of course change is always of concern, but we are very mindful that we want to do something that causes the least amount of stress for the employees.

“Rest assured we are very mindful of ensuring that you the employees and you the customers, are not disrupted during this process.”

Nassau Flight Services has been operating continuously in The Bahamas since 1957. As a ground handling company, Nassau Flight Services provides complete services in Planning and Management, Passenger Services, Aircraft Services and Ramp Handling, Cargo Services and VIP Services.

The company boasts many strengths, among them -- experienced staff, many of whom have continuously been in the ground handling or airline industry for more than 20 years.  Additionally, the company has a Good Customer Satisfaction Record, enjoying positive feedback from clients who have expressed satisfaction with NFS services for the past five years.