The airline experienced huge delays but said in a terse press release that it would work diligently to "ensure all passengers reach their destinations." The release made no mention of aircraft being "grounded" but merely referred to being "mandated" by "aviation authorities" to deal with year-long maintenance records. No details were given of what the records dealt with and the aviation authorities were not identified. The Guardian was told late yesterday: "Bahamasair wishes to advise the travelling public that as a result of a twelve-month maintenance records review, mandated by the Aviation Authorities, there was a delay in all flights on the international and domestic routes," the statement read. "This review of the maintenance records is a ten hour process."
The statement added that 50% of the fleet was expected to be returned to service by 5:30pm with the entire fleet back in service by 7:00 pm. No confirmation of flights being resumed was forthcoming. The statement read: "Bahamasair apologises for the inconvenience" experienced by our loyal passengers and will work diligently to ensure that all passengers reach their destination," it read. "As always the safety of passengers and crew remains the primary concern of the National Flag Carrier."
The announcement of the "delays" is one of a number of issues that have plagued the airline in recent months. Last December, several of Bahamasair's planes were grounded in Miami due to the lateness of a Bond payment to US Customs.
Still the recent signing of an industrial contract between the Airport Airline Allied Workers Union and Bahamasair executives had appeared to be a major win for the National Flag Carrier.
On Tuesday the AAAWU and Bahamasair management signed an industrial contract worth $6m, after almost two years of failed negotiations.
Prime Minister Perry Christie was on hand for the signing, which took place at the Cable Beach office. Also present was Immigration and Labour Minister, Shane Gibson.
At the time AAAWU President Nellerine Harding told the press: "The new industrial agreement between Bahamasair Holdings Ltd and the Airport and Allied Workers Union does not have that many changes in comparison to its predecessor, however, in all negotiations there are benefits which are deemed sacred to the employees and such benefits are considered nonnegotiable.
"As of July 21, 2006, employees of Bahamasair Holdings Ltd will receive their three earned increments for the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and a four per cent increase to their annual salaries," Ms Harding added. "In 2007, they will receive an earned increment of three per cent and in 2008, another earned increment."
Bahamasair Chairman, Basil Sands, revealed that the new contract, which is effective from July 1, 2004, and which expires on June 30, 1009, will affect more than 400 airline employees."[There is a] difference in overtime pay for years one and two, based on the revised salaries for 419 staff in bargaining unit [and an] increase in grooming allowances for 60 flight attendants," said Mr Sands.
He added that the cost impact to the company over the five-year contract, is approximately $6.1 million, with base salaries representing some $5.2 million.
The Nassau Guardian
