Anthony Hamilton, Civil Society Bahamas president.
Anthony K Hamilton, president of the Bahamas Association of Air Transport Operators, told
Eyewitness News: “At the onset, I was estimating an 18-month experience. We were trying to peg it because we needed to plan.
“We are right in trying to evaluate the situation and navigate through this process. There were a lot of expenses incurred because we had some standard costs and revenue wasn’t coming. With whatever revenue we generate now, we’re trying to catch up.”
Hamilton added: “There has been a gradual improvement as far as the sector is concerned because ultimately it is about the traveling public and concerns about safety. We’re working through it and we’re hoping things will turn around because to be in this business is a very costly exercise.
nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
Bahamian aviation operators yesterday hailed then Government s decision to relax COVID-19 inter-island travel restrictions for Christmas as a breath of fresh air for the hard-hit sector.
Anthony K Hamilton, president of the Bahamas Association of Air Transport Operators, told Tribune Business that changes to the Emergency Powers orders that extend the validity of a negative COVID-19 PCR test to seven days between today and January 4, 2021, had already sparked a noticeable increase in travel inquiries by Bahamians and foreigners.
The move effectively removes the need for a five-day rapid antigen test for persons travelling from New Providence and Grand Bahama to the Family Islands, thereby reducing the cost and red tape associated with moving around The Bahamas to visit family over the holiday season.