NASSAU — Continental-/Gulfstream International Airlines is positioning itself to be the primary airlift provider to the Out Islands, investing $85 million in a fleet of Saab planes that will double its airlift capacity into the country.
The first of Gulfstream’s new Saab 340 30-seater aircraft, which will replace its 19-seater planes, is set for delivery in November, according to Jim Swieter, the company’s Senior Vice President of International Development. Another aircraft is scheduled for delivery every month thereafter for two years.
Sweiter said travel to the Out Islands will be changed dramatically.
Manager of the Bahamas Tourism Office in Abaco, Wynsome Ferguson, said the move will go a long way in boosting air capacity, adding that increasing competition to service the islands was benefitting guests and the destination.
Ferguson said in addition to Sky and Continental, IBC Airways introduced service into Abaco in June. IBC Airways’ smallest aircraft is a 19-seater, but travel was spacious and comfortable, she said. Gulfstream will be using the same aircraft Sky Bahamas is currently using – the Saab 340, which should also make for a more comfortable service for travellers. Comfort, she said, is very important to travellers.
