Dann Lewis

The first priorities of the newly launched Bahamasair (TTG, June 22) is to provide stable services domestically within the Bahamas, and internationally to Miami and other U. S. gateways.

Mr. Dann H. Lewis, chairman of the new Bahamas flag carrier, said in London last week that Bahamasair would try to maintain the best possible services in the islands and also through the Miami gateway. The next step would be to set up U. S. interline links from Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Tampa. A study of longer haul routes will be made in 1974.

Mr. Dann Lewis, who announced last week that the carrier has launched scheduled services almost two weeks ahead of schedule, said reliable services were of vital importance in the Bahamas Out Islands.

Mr. Lewis said the carrier would have exclusive rights for all domestic flights, and first option on international routes. Lewis confirmed that negotiation are being finalised for Bahamasair to operate a route to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Bahamian government was assisted in the formation of the new carier by an airline negotiating committee under the direction of Mr. Clement Maynard, minister of tourism. Dann Lewis, who was chairman of the negotiating committee and now chairman of the new airline itself, said: “The formation of Bahamasair is the culmination of two years of effort.”

“Slow progress was made in the first 22 months of negotiations, with rapid developments taking place in the last two months.” The setting up of a national flag carrier in any part of the world is a complex business, and it is far from unusual for new carriers to bypass their launch date. Yet, Bahamasair launched its services two weeks ahead of its July 1 target.

Bahamasair’s total staff is now about 300 which includes flight attendants, reservations agents and airport personnel. Dann Lewis said additional staff would be required as the airline receives more equipment and expands its services.

Concerning Bahamasair offices abroad, Lewis said an office in Miami would initially be the first. He added that the airline would be relying heavily on Bahamas Tourism offices in the U. K., Europe and North America to provide support. Billboards and advertisements will also be used employing the slogan that “Nobody knows the Bahamas like Bahamasair”.

Dann Lewis went on to say that negotiations were already underway for international joint fares and interline agreements with many of the worlds major flag carriers to facilitate “through” passenger itineraries and ticketing from international points to Nassau, Freeport, and all of the Bahamas Out Islands.

from - TTG, June 1973

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