Bahamasair needs to "ride the bonanza of tourism" right now, as the government prepares to restructure the airline and bring in technical support through Qatar Airways, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Chester Cooper said yesterday.

Cooper told the media that the airline still has great potential despite its issues, contending that all airlines have their issues.

"Bahamasair really is on the path for success if we are able to restructure a few things, get some new equipment," said Cooper.

"They ought to be really riding the bonanza of tourism right now. People are calling me every day wanting to know if I can do anything to get them a seat on Bahamasair, and I simply can't. They're running very heavy loads.

"They're doing extremely well. With some financial restructuring, which we will do, with some technical support, which we will provide really shortly from Qatar Airways and a partnership we're building, I'm very cautious, but optimistic nonetheless, about the future prospects of Bahamasair. I hope to be able to talk more about them in due course."

Cooper said in June that Bahamasair expects to grow its revenue by $8 million as a result of the acquisition of another Boeing 737-700 and the addition of new routes. Cooper gave the figure during his contribution to the 2023/2024 budget debate, adding said the airline also expects to pay off and restructure some of its debt, which he said could result in millions of dollars worth of savings for the airline.

"If you would note, we have modestly reduced the subvention for Bahamasair this year by several million," Cooper said.

"We have placed a great deal of focus on new international routes: Tampa, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Nashville to Freeport and onward to Nassau.

"We have also returned Bahamasair's seasonal flights between Freeport and Orlando, and added a new route from Freeport to Raleigh-Durham, and hopefully another from Fort Lauderdale to George Town, Exuma.

"These international flights bring tourists who spend more and maximize the economic benefit of our $20 million-plus investment per year in our national flag carrier."

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