From:TheBahamasWeekly.com
Bahamas Government enters into a landmark agreement with the US to regain control of airspace
Mar 24, 2017 - 5:19:39 PM
Nassau – (March 23) In a milestone moment for the country, The Bahamas Government enters into an unprecedented agreement with the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to regain control of Bahamian airspace.
In 2010, Hubert Ingraham said The Bahamas would never gain control of its airspace. He and his colleagues doubted what Bahamians could accomplish, and did not fight for our sovereignty.
Prime Minister Christie and Minister of Transport and Aviation Glenys Hanna-Martin began intensive negotiations with the US government starting in 2014. Because of their skill and tenacity, and their decision to prioritize the negotiations, The Bahamas will begin collecting overflight fees from transiting aircraft. Another aspect of the agreement includes technical assistance and training for Bahamians, as we seek to further develop our air traffic management capacity and enhance the aviation sector.
As part of the agreement, all Bahamian aircraft operators will be exempt from paying overflight fees to the FAA on flights which take off and land in British Commonwealth nation. This exemption will translate into significant savings for local aircraft operators as in the last three years alone, Bahamasair has paid overflight fees in excess of $1 million per annum.
This is a significant victory for The Bahamas — it will increase national revenues, benefit Bahamians who own airlines, benefit Bahamasair, and create an entirely new area of opportunities and jobs for Bahamians.
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