Silver Airways has added a flight to North Eleuthera Airport in Eleuthera, and to Leonard Thompson International Airport in Abaco, both direct from Orlando, a Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation press statement released yesterday explained.

The airline launched the new Abaco flight on Saturday, the statement said. The Orlando to Marsh Harbour flight is a connecting service to North Eleuthera that will be available exclusively on Saturdays and will feature a route opening deal of $89 one way.

"This new addition complements Silver Airways' existing flights from Fort Lauderdale and Tampa to The Abacos," the statement said.

"Notably, after a break in service due to the pandemic, on January 7, 2023, the airline resumed its nonstop service from Tampa to The Abacos, signalling its commitment to The Bahamas."

Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation John Pinder, who was on hand in Abaco to greet the Silver Airways flight, explained in the statement that Silver Airways has recognized the demand for travel to Abaco and therefore increased its travel to the island.

"This route will present a significant opportunity for both leisure and business travelers," said Pinder.

"Orlando is an important hub, with more than fifty million passengers a year from over a hundred destinations.

"The Abaco market is back, and our partners acknowledge the opportunities to expand their businesses. I welcome a continued prosperous partnership."

Deputy Director General and Director of Aviation Dr. Kenneth Romer said in the statement that The Bahamas is continually improving its market position as the leader in the region for foreign air and sea arrivals. He said to increase year-over-year airlift past 2019 numbers is a key priority of his ministry.

The year 2019 is heralded as the country's best year in tourism in terms of visitor arrivals.

"This inaugural Silver Airways Orlando to Abaco service is even more significant, as it demonstrates our resolve to supporting this island after the dual devastations of Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic," said Romer.

"Abaco's airlift recovery has now remarkably surpassed 70 percent of pre-pandemic levels, and through our commitment to increasing airlift while simultaneously improving the state of airport infrastructure, we expect to further position Abaco on its aggressive pathway to full recovery."

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