New Year 2021

LUXLIFE MAGAZINE | 5 Flying High Kamalame Cay announces the launch of COCO Bahama Seaplanes, the first Bahamian, year-round domestic amphibious airline in 50 years. Scheduled to launch in February 2021, COCO Bahama Seaplanes will operate with a fleet of state-of-the-art amphibious seaplanes, two-pilot crews, world-class safety standards and a commitment to help unlock millions of dollars in economic development across The Bahamas, kick starting fragile local economies and celebrating the unique beauty and offerings of the Bahamian Family Islands. Minister of Tourism & Aviation, The Hon. Dionisio D'Aguilar said, "I am pleased to welcome a new aircraft option to The Bahamas that will increase access to our islands and allow travellers to experience the secluded paradise they are looking for right now. I cannot help but feel proud that in these challenging times a Bahamian company such as COCO Bahama Seaplanes is prepared to invest in the future of tourism in The Bahamas. I sincerely believe that with Bahamian ingenuity and determination, we will once again take our rightful place as the destination of choice for travellers worldwide." Mr. Brian Hew, CEO of COCO Bahama Seaplanes said, "Recovery of the Family Islands will be accelerated with the arrival of COCO and importantly, without the need for additional direct government investments to expand, rehabilitate or build new airports." Mr. Hew is also the Chairman and Founder of the award-winning Kamalame Cay Private Island Resort off of Andros. "COCO will benefit visitors to our beautiful country and will help support a more reliable domestic travel infrastructure allowing residents to move quickly and efficiently throughout The Bahamas and reducing the burden on the government to fly to small, unprofitable markets with large aircraft" he went on to say. COCO intends to help support and expand the range of tourism offerings for domestic and international visitors in the larger Nassau and Grand Bahama markets and is already working aggressively with both independent and multinational hotels and resorts to spread tourism dollars to the Family Islands through day trips and excursions. Mr. Tommy Turnquest, Chairman of Bahamas Air said, "The arrival of COCO Bahama Seaplanes is another important milestone for the Bahamian airline industry as we look for new ways to expand the services we provide to our residents and guests without additional financial burden on the Bahamian government." COCO also intends to be a 'starting-point' for career-minded young Bahamians wanting a career in aviation and through a series of local and international training partnerships and scholarships will create hundreds of high-quality jobs for Bahamians with career paths including pilots, maintainers, sales, customer service, management, and support roles. COCO Bahama Seaplanes will announce the first recipients of its annual scholarship programme for young (18 - 30 years old) Bahamian pilots later this month. Successful applicants will receive a cash contribution towards the flight school of their choice and upon successful completion, will have a contingent offer to join the crew at COCO Bahama Seaplanes. COCO Bahama Seaplanes is committed to bringing glamour back to flying the islands of Bahamas and to playing its part in helping transform tourism and travel.