By FAY SIMMONS

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

North Andros businesses yesterday urged the Government and Bahamasair to strengthen Family Island air connectivity, arguing that dependable scheduled service is essential to attracting tourists, supporting investment and growing the island's economy.

Darin Bethel, president of the North Andros Chamber of Commerce, said unreliable commercial air service has long been a constraint on economic activity, making it difficult for visitors, business executives and investors to travel to the island.

"There hasn't been reliable direct airlift to North Andros for a long time, and that affects business," said Mr Bethel. "Companies that want to promote or expand their operations here find it difficult to get executives and staff into North Andros because of the lack of dependable scheduled service."

He added that the lack of reliable commercial flights also discourages tourism. "A lot of tourists also find it difficult to visit North Andros because there isn't reliable direct air service," said Mr Bethel. "That slows the economy because fewer people are coming to the island and spending money."

He argued that improved connectivity would benefit businesses across multiple sectors - from hospitality to retail - while making the island more attractive for investment.

"They have to realise that them not coming also slows down the economy because you have less people visiting the island and spending money within the economy," said Mr Bethel.

He added that many travellers instead opt to fly into Central Andros or travel by boat, with some visitors deciding against travelling to North Andros altogether because of the additional time and cost involved.

"Many people end up staying in Central Andros instead of coming north because of the drive," he said.  "Reliable air service would make it much easier for business people, journalists, professionals and visitors to come to North Andros for the day and return home that evening. That's the kind of connectivity the business community needs."

Mr Bethel urged Bahamasair to consider expanding its Family Island network with smaller aircraft better suited to lower-volume routes.

"It's time we revisit direct airlift," said Mr Bethel. "Bahamasair should seriously consider bringing in smaller aircraft specifically to serve the Family Islands. The demand isn't going away - it's only going to grow as more islands and cays are developed."

Rather than relying exclusively on larger aircraft, he argued that a fleet of 10 to 15-seat planes could provide more frequent and economically sustainable service.

"Bahamasair shouldn't rely only on larger aircraft," said Mr Bethel. "They should look at 10 to 15-seat planes that are more economical for Family Island routes. Smaller aircraft would reduce operating costs while providing the dependable service these communities need."

Mr Bethel also called for greater government support, suggesting partnerships with the Bahama Out Island Promotion Board, hotels and tourism operators to help stimulate demand and make scheduled routes more viable.

"The Government also has a responsibility to help subsidise these routes," he said. "Working with the Bahama Out  Island Promotion Board, hotels and tourism operators could help increase visitor numbers while making scheduled air service more sustainable."

The issue has received renewed attention following last Friday's fatal plane crash in North Andros that claimed the lives of all 10 people aboard a Cessna 402 aircraft.

Providing an update yesterday, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) said the probe remains in its evidence-gathering phase and stressed that it is too early to determine the cause of the accident. The authority said a preliminary report is expected within 30 days, with a final report targeted within 12 months in accordance with international standards.

Mr Bethel said the discussion about aviation should now extend beyond the ongoing investigation to ensuring Family Islands have the dependable transportation links needed to support long-term economic development.

"If the airline is Bahamasair, then it should be focused on serving The Bahamas first," he said. "Right now, Bahamasair serves South Florida more than it serves the Family Islands.

“Reliable airlift isn't a luxury for the Family Islands. It's what helps businesses grow, brings visitors to the island and keeps the economy moving."