By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and executives of Avions de Transport Régional yesterday signed a $100m contract for the purchase of five ATR 600 planes to replace Bahamasair’s aging Dash 8-300 fleet.

The contract finalised the sale of three 50-seat ATR 42-600 and two 70-seat ATR 72-600 planes. They are scheduled for delivery between November 2016 and June 2016.

Mr Davis, who is also the minister of works, said the purchase of the new fleet is a major investment toward expanding the flight operations of the national flag carrier.

“Today is a red letter day for Bahamasair and the Bahamas,” he said during the contract signing at the Ministry of Works yesterday.

“This government increased jet fleet from two aircraft to three in 2012. Prior to that, new aircraft were not purchased since the early 1990s. Subsequently, it was a Progressive Liberal Party administration that increased the fleet from five to seven in 2004.

“Our commitment to turning Bahamasair around is also evidenced by our concern for the morale of its employees.

“The acquisition of these aircraft is very important to the Bahamas to move people, goods and equipment from one island to another. Air transport has become an essential part of our way of life and this addition to Bahamasair’s inventory is a critical bolstering of assets. Bahamasair is proud to facilitate a move toward a stronger, safer and more modern Bahamas.”

He also said it is now “critical” to replace the present fleet in order to maintain the airline’s record of “safe, reliable and economical air service, to render it economically viable in the short-term and to make it attractive to private investors in the longer term.”

According to Valentine Grimes, chairman of Bahamasair’s board of directors, this purchase demonstrates long-term planning and the government’s commitment to providing safety in air service, reduced operating costs, improved reliability and the overall passenger experience.

The 70-seat models will be used primarily on the Nassau/Freeport/Fort Lauderdale, Nassau/March Harbour/West Palm Beach and Nassau/Exuma routes where loads are heavy all year round, Mr Grimes said.

A spokesman of ATR told reporters that the new aircraft have a life span of around 25 to 30 years.