Department of Aviation affirms support for local airline owners and pilots

Cpt. Sean Longley (BAOPA), Jan Knowles (VP - NAD), Cpt. Mornel Brown (President - BAOPA), Ms. Chequita Johnson (Director General - CAAB), Cpt. Drexel Munroe (Secretary General - BAOPA), Dr. Kenneth Romer (Director of Aviation and DDG Tourism), Mr. Paul Bevans (Chairman - AA), Mr. Peter Rutherford (Managing Director - AA), Mr. Milo Butler (Deputy Director - DOA) and Davon Munnings (CFO - AA)

NASSAU, BAHAMAS, March 18, 2026 - The Bahamas Department of Aviation (DOA) facilitated a very productive meeting with the Bahamas Airline Owners and Pilots Association (BAOPA) and aviation key industry stakeholders including, Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas (CAAB), Airport Authority (AA) and Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD).

"Domestic Airline Owners and Pilots deserve a seat around the table where their voices could be amplified, their concerns addressed, their value appreciated and our commitment to them affirmed", said Director of Aviation, Dr. Kenneth Romer.

Key discussions points included, Fostering a culture of ongoing harmonious communication and collaboration, Review of Infrastructure Fees, Escalating passenger costs and its impact on operations, Maintenance Facility Access, Family Islands Airport Development Renaissance, Airport fees, Safety and Security, Ongoing support by the Government of The Bahamas for domestic private operators, Industry training and awareness, Jurisdiction-Specific Regulations and policy interventions and Active participation in the development of the first-ever Domestic Airlift Strategic Plan 2040.

"The Bahamas Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association appreciated the opportunity to meet with key stakeholders and were satisfied with the tone of the meeting and the seeming commitment of the stakeholders present to address the concerns presented. We especially look forward to future meetings to discuss further the effects that current and planned changes will have on the Bahamian Aviators and aviation here in the Bahamas", said BAOPA President, Captain Mornel Brown.

In addition to participating in quarterly stakeholder meetings, a commitment was made to engage in ongoing dialogue and intervening measures to address matters arising between industry stakeholders.

Strengthening strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders is one of the key pillars of the historic National Aviation Strategic Plan, formally launched on July 1, 2023.

(Photo/Dept. of Aviation)