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e are pleased to introduce the first ever Bahamas National Aviation Strategic Plan (NASP).

It will serve as our “Flight Plan” to revolutionize and chart the way forward for the aviation sector over the next three years (2023 – 2026). Through a systematic and pragmatic process of execution, it is aligned with the government’s priorities for aviation and will position The Bahamas to meet and exceed global standards as a leader in aviation excellence. It comes because of the collective contributions, commitment, focus, drive, and synergy among the key stakeholders within our aviation ecosystem, and is supported by eight broad strategic themes:

Improve airport infrastructure and development.

Airlines, passengers, and cargo need safe, efficient, and affordable airport infrastructure to sustain their operations. Through strategic collaboration, partnerships, and development projects, we seek to transform the aviation industry by ensuring adequate best-in-class infrastructure for air transportation users.

We have developed a vision to design, build, finance, operate and maintain “Airports of the Future” across our archipelago, based on new technology, cultural authenticity, and a commitment to sustainability and resilience.

Enhance strategic partnerships and engagement.

A strong partnership with global and local aviation stakeholders, such as airlines, regulatory agencies, airport users and surrounding community members, is particularly important for the success of the National Aviation Strategic Plan. There is a shared commitment around policy execution and continuous engagement around deliverables.

Increase airlift and improve air connectivity.

Increasing airlift and improving air connectivity are critical components in sustaining the country’s economic vitality which is largely driven by airline stopover arrivals. Partnerships with airlines and aviation stakeholders, including international and domestic carriers, hotels, accommodations, tourism, and promotion board partners is therefore particularly important. We will diversify our airlift to promote The Islands of The Bahamas as a unique multi-island destination experience which is easily assessable by traditional commercial airlines, as well as by amphibious seaplanes and vertical helicopter airlift.

Enhance human capital development.

To increase competitiveness, minimize risk and optimize human capabilities, we will ensure the optimization of developing human capital. We will focus on attracting new talent, building the capabilities of existing industry personnel through effective training, and developing programmes to efficiently manage strategic foresight and industry transformation. We are excited to launch the first ever Bahamas Aeronautical Training Institute to support our national objectives.

Financial resilience and operational efficiency.

The aviation industry must focus on improving operational efficiencies and implementing policies that drive cost reduction through leaner operations, new ways to leverage ancillary revenue, and adaptation to fluctuating airports traffic. A medium-term financial planning model has been developed to support agility and drive accountability and transparency.

Strengthen safety and security systems.

Passenger confidence in aviation safety and security is indispensable to the continued growth of the aviation industry. The Bahamas is required to implement and conform to a safety oversight system to promote aviation safety. This is achieved by observing and assessing the compliance of aircraft operators/service providers with the applicable regulations, procedures, and recommended practices. This mandate is further supported through safety and security audits to evaluate areas such as surveillance and compliance, risk assessments, and safety management.

Sustainable air transport services.

The aviation industry globally is being transformed by increased attention to prioritizing sustainability goals. The Bahamas is committed to becoming the regional leader in aviation sustainability initiatives, renewable energy discussions, greener aerospace technologies and actions to advance net zero and carbon neutrality.

Improve innovation and technology.

Aviation in The Bahamas is ever-changing. We must constantly pivot in a post-pandemic era to advance cutting-edge technology to meet the demands of the new normal. Through ongoing collaboration, the sector will explore innovative systems and solutions to assist in operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Aviation Agencies include Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority, Airport Authority, Bahamas Air Navigational Services Authority, Bahamasair, Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas, Freeport Airport Development Company, Nassau Airport Development Company, and Nassau Flight Services.

For more information on The Bahamas’ National Aviation Strategic Plan, visit www.doabahamas.com or scan our QR code. UA

Traditional Bahamian arts and crafts are vibrant and captivating. There are also many local artisans who have drawn inspiration from the techniques passed down from generation to generation to create their own unique pieces, resulting in one-of-a-kind items that can make the perfect gift this holiday season. While straw work (which is made by meticulously weaving together pieces of dried palm leaves) and hand carved wooden figures are the most well-known locally crafted gifts that can easily be found at straw markets and holiday pop-up events around the country, many Bahamian artisans have elevated their offerings in recent years to include impressive and fashion forward jewellery, handbags, clothing, shoes as well as teas, beauty products, food items and more.

Haus of Assembly’s Aidan Barrow started her company with colourful and eye-catching espadrilles that were perfect for work, brunch, or a casual day on the town, but her brand quickly snowballed to be one of the most sought-after handbag lines in the country. Her new collections are known to sell out quickly, and she also recently opened a brand-new boutique at the Nassau Harbour.

Barrow notes that her brand was created in her search for fashionable items that drew from Bahamian culture but were not simply designed for the tourist demographic. Barrow adds that she spends a great deal of time developing her concepts, designs, and prototypes before she eventually unveils them.

“All of our items have a predominantly neutral/wearable colour palette,” Barrow explained. “We are inspired by the flora, fauna, and culture of The Bahamas. Our most iconic print, to date, is our black hibiscus and emerald-green banana leaf print. All of our prints are illustrated in house through a meticulous design process. After which, prototypes are made, resulting in a six-month process before our products are created.”

D’Lethea Nairn, designer of Pursenal ParaDiyse clutches, noted, “The world should experience Bahamian art and creativity.” Despite the beauty of her colourful handmade and hand painted pieces, Nairn noted that she never considered herself an artist, but she was “always in awe of how creative and talented Bahamians are as a people”. She added that the ingenuity and the local culture has allowed her to infuse her pieces with her own unique vision.