By Fay Simmons

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

The deputy prime minister yesterday said if Atlantis finds a site that both the Port Department and Civil Aviation Authority approve he will back their sea plane project.

Chester Cooper, also minster of tourism, investments and aviation, added that seaplane transportation for inter-island travel has “great merit” for The Bahamas as a “high-end destination” but the location of the project must be supported by regulators and make logistical sense.

He explained: “If the developers find a suitable site nearby downtown Nassau or wherever the regulators would approve, it’s certainly a business proposition that I would support.

“This is a concept, though, that has great merit. We are a high-end destination and we are a collection of 16 island destinations, and therefore it is important for the connectivity. In Exuma alone we have 365 islands, and therefore if we are able to take guests to the Exuma cays by seaplane - even directly to some of these islands where there isn’t an air strip - it would add significant value.

“The sheer charm of the experience of taking a seaplane to Walker’s Cay or to Andros and landing at your hotel is really a significant product enhancement for the islands of The Bahamas. So in principle I support the concept. We have to find logistically the location that makes sense as a launching pad.”

Opposition from nearby residents and the sailing community earlier this month resulted in the rejection of Atlantis’ bid to obtain a water aerodrome licence for Montagu Bay as a seaplane landing destination in conducting tours for its guests.

Mr Cooper said that due to the concerns of residents and stakeholders, plans to use Montagu are “dead”. However, seaplanes will continue to provide domestic travel from the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA).

He said: “Firstly, let me tell you that this is a matter for the regulators, mainly the Civil Aviation Authority and the Port Department. They have reviewed the matter. They have taken consultation from all of the stakeholders. They had a town meeting for the public to express their concerns.

“The concerns were indeed overwhelming. There was significant concern expressed from the sailing community, especially the children who typically would sail… and, of course, regattas that sail out of Montagu Bay.

“So I believe for all intents and purposes that idea in that particular location is dead because it will not, I’m advised, obtain the support of the regulators that I referenced. In the meantime, I’m confident, though, that these flights will continue leaving from LPIA, maybe landing in areas across The Bahamas where they are approved to land and therefore, you know, the project I’m sure will go on.”