Bahamasair officials last night remained silent on reports that the airline intends to phase out it’s jet services by Christmas.
General Manager Paul Major would not confirm or deny that Bahamasair is considering the move.
He did say, however, that reports of the Federal Aviation administration requesting the use of 737 be stopped are inaccurate as the FAA can only suggest that manufacturers discontinue production of the planes.
Last month it was reported that Bahamasair was considering replacing its jet services with its Dash 8 aircraft to cut costs and make the airline more economically viable.
Although not able to comment at the time, Mr. Major said it was one of the many decisions Bahamasair was considering.
Announcing the appointments of the airline’s board, Prime Minister Christie said government would no longer allow excessive amounts of public funds to be pumped into the corporation.
He warned the airline that if it could not keep up with developments made by the private sector it would be left behind.
A government moves ahead with private sector development in some of the Family Islands, said Mr. Christie, it recognized that there had to be public sector infrastructure improvements to conform to the pace of the private sector.
Officials have been trying to reduce Bahamasair’s massive deficit. Government officials and public servants have fielded many suggestions, including privatisation.
Earlier this year Charles Beneby, Bahamasair’s chief operating officer told The Tribune that with liabilities exceeding assets by about $64 million he saw little hope for the airline’s recovery unless government agreed to privatise the national air carrier or take on a strategic partner.
Mr. Beneby predicted that Bahamasair, which has never made a profit in its almost 30 years of existence, could reverse this trend in two to three years.
