By MATT MAURA
Bahamas Information Services
NASSAU, Bahamas (BIS) – Any potential sale of the government-owned and operated Nassau Flight Services Limited (NSF) will be open to Bahamian investors only, Minister of Tourism and Aviation the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar said.
Addressing a recent Client Appreciation Cocktail Reception at Balmoral Club, May 25, 2018 — hosted by the Board of
Directors, Senior Executives, Management and Staff of Nassau Flight Services Limited — Minister D’Aguilar said the Government of The Bahamas is exploring the option of privatizing Nassau Flight Services.
Mr. D’Aguilar said the process is “probably six-to-eight months away from coming to a conclusion.”
“It is our fundamental belief that the private sector, in the hands of Bahamians, will serve the customers better; would bring about significant investment in Nassau Flight Services; will allow it to be more profitable, and will result in more modern equipment and improved services,” Mr. D’Aguilar said.
The Tourism and Aviation Minister noted that the “private sector is more nimble and is better able to react to the changing markets and so this government wants to change a policy that has been in effect for many years — which is the Government has to run everything — and that is why we are moving in that direction.”
“The Government has expressed an interest in seeking to put into the hands of Bahamians, companies that are presently in the hands of the Government,” D’Aguilar said. “And so we are going to explore this privatization process. The accountants are looking at it, they are coming back to us with an evaluation and then it has to go to Cabinet to see whether we can get approval for it.”
He added, “Rest assured we are very mindful of ensuring that you the employees and you the customers are not disrupted during this process.”
Nassau Flight Services has been operating continuously in The Bahamas since 1957. As a ground-handling company, Nassau Flight Services provides complete services in Planning and Management, Passenger Services, Aircraft Services and Ramp Handling, Cargo Services and VIP Services.
The company boasts many strengths, among them — experienced staff, many of whom have continuously been in the ground-handling or airline industry for more than 20 years. Additionally, the company has a Good Customer Satisfaction Record, enjoying positive feedback from clients who have expressed satisfaction with NFS services for the past five years.
