The Islands of The Bahamas Aviation Department have been working with Florida FBO’s (Fixed Base Operations) for many years, and has recently launched The Bahamas Gateway FBO’s with several operations strategically located throughout South Florida, to partner with them in making it increasingly easier for Private Pilots to get travel procedural information to fly to and from the various Bahama Islands.
The announcement was made on behalf of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, by the Ministry’s Chief Aviation Specialist, Mr. Gregg Rolle. It was noted that the chosen FBO’s were selected with the targeted aim to line up the needs of the Private Pilot with what’s available in the destination and make the trip to The Bahamas as seamless as possible.
A select four has been identified at this time, as Bahamas Gateway FBO’s who have been trained by the Bahamas Tourist Office staff on all facets of U.S. and Bahamas requirements of aircrafts leaving/arriving the U.S. mainland; it is hoped, however, that the number will grow. The four FBO’s identified include:
Opa Locka Airport – Miami Executive Aviation
Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport – Banyan Air Service
Stuart/Palm Beach Airport – Galaxy Aviation of Palm Beach
St. Lucie International Airport – Air Center/Fort Pierce
The selected FBO’s have been classed as Bahamas Gateways and are equipped to provide Customs and Immigration information as well as supplies and even up-to-the minute information on the Bahamas. The small airports serve as a one-stop shop for Private Pilots, as well as general aviation traffic both private and charter.
“The FBOs like Banyan have shown much interest in working with The Islands of the Bahamas,” Mr. Rolle, asserted. He said that because of this expressed interest, over the years, the Bahamas Aviation Department has conducted training of the staff as well as included FBO’s in their marketing activities such as trade shows and promotional ventures.
“Our Bahamas preferred FBOs have proven to be a great resource for us,” Mr. Rolle boasted, and enlarged that more importantly, the co-op initiatives with the Bahamas’ key FBO’s, such as the educational seminars and trade shows, gives additional quality of service to the FBO’s valued customers. He said further that the country’s key FBO’s proves to be of tremendous assistance to Private Pilots leaving the U.S. for the Bahamas, and have been known to assist them beyond the U.S. even into The Islands.
Although pilots can choose the FBO of their choice, they are encouraged when flying into The Bahamas to stop at one of The Bahamas Gateway FBO’s to ensure that the pilot and aircraft have all the Information and Procedures needed about The Bahamas for a Safe and Fun flight….and of course, “It’s Better In The Bahamas.”
About The Islands Of The Bahamas:
Life in The Islands Of The Bahamas is as culturally diverse as it is vibrantly beautiful, from the carefree Out Islands to exciting Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island. With world-class diving and fishing, gorgeous turquoise water and miles of picture perfect beaches the 700 islands of the Bahamas offer visitors the opportunity to do everything or nothing at all. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call: 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. To purchase one-of-a-kind items and mementos from the Bahamas, visit www.eshopbahamas.com.
CONTACT:
Jeannie Gibson
Bahamas Tourist Office
954-236-9292 x 270
jgibson@bahamas.com
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