Department of Aviation to Celebrate Industry Partners in Second Annual Bahamas Aviation Week

NASSAU, The Bahamas - The week October 27 to November 1, 2024 will be observed as the second annual Bahamas Aviation Week under the theme, 'A Celebration of Aviation Partnerships.'

Director of Aviation and Deputy Director-General of Tourism Dr. Kenneth Romer said that this is “a big deal for the country” during a press conference on Friday, October 25, 2024 at the Department of Aviation.

“This Aviation Week 2024 further reflects the strong partnership with, and the great level of respect by, our international counterparts, leaders and top-level decision makers, who will be reuniting in The Bahamas as we engage around up-to-date topics, best practices and discussions to advance aviation," he said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper in a quote, underscored the importance of the week.

“Enhancing strategic partnerships and engagement, while recognizing the significant contributions of all who contribute to the success of the aviation ecosystem, are key components of the Bahamas Government’s National Aviation Strategic Plan that was implemented on July 1, 2023.”

He also encouraged the active participation of all stakeholders throughout the country to collectively demonstrate that, 'We are Aviation,' and as a further recognition that  “Aviation is truly the oxygen that fuels our country’s number one industry.”

A highlight of the week will be the hosting of over 400 visiting international delegates during the Latin American & Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) 20th Anniversary Forum 2024, October 28-30, at Baha Mar. According to organizers, ALTA is recognized as one of the most important aviation leaders' and decision makers' conferences in Latin America & the Caribbean.

Notwithstanding the global focus, the week will intentionally highlight and recognize the contributions of the almost 4,000 team members, directly employed throughout the Bahamian aviation industry.

Key among the event highlights will be the Aviation Partners Celebration & Luncheon on Thursday, October 31, followed by the first-ever National Aviation Honours Ceremony set for that same evening, under the patronage of Her Excellency the Governor-General, the Most Hon. Dame Cynthia A. Pratt, at Government House.

“Over the past 51 years, many persons and organizations have made invaluable contributions to aviation development, both at the agencies and national levels.  As a priority, we will pause to celebrate and recognize our people who exemplify aviation excellence,” said Dr. Romer.

Other initiatives for the week include:

• A national period of 'Prayers across The Bahamas' for the Aviation Ecosystem in conjunction with the Bahamas Christian Council and religious communities

• The formal commissioning of 'Aviation Cadets' High School Programme

• Training and Certification for a large cohort of professionals, as part of the industry-wide, 'Aviation Service Excellence' training Initiative

• 'Paint-The Skies Pink and Health Screenings,' coordinated through the Aviation Cares initiative in support of Cancer Awareness, and improving overall Aviation Health and Wellness and,

• The 'I AM AVIATION' Campaign, which seeks to connect aviation professionals throughout the archipelago across various social media platforms with incentives with exciting prizes and giveaways.  

According to Dr. Romer, the main takeaways from the week would be (a) strengthening the strategic partnership; (b) knowledge exchange; and (c) sharing best practices.

Also present during the press conference were Peter Rutherford, General Manager, Airport Authority; Esmond Johnson, Vice-Chair, Airline Operators Committee; Milo Butler III, Deputy Director of Aviation; Jamal Evans, Deputy Manager, In-flight Services; and Debbie Lightbourne, Manager, In-flight Services.    

(BIS Photos/Anthon Thompson)