Scheduled to launch in February 2021, Coco Bahama Seaplanes will operate with a fleet of amphibious Caravans, two-pilot crews, top 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 beauty and offerings of the Bahamian Family Islands.

Minister of Tourism & Aviation Dionisio D'Aguilar says: “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.”

Brian Hew, CEO of Coco Bahama Seaplanes, adds: “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.” Hew is the chairman and founder of the 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.”

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.

Tommy Turnquest, chairman of Bahamas Air, comments: “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 18-30 year 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.