NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC—Bahamasair’s managing director, Tracy Cooper, says the aircraft shortage should end this week.
Late Monday, Cooper confirmed that three national carrier aircraft were grounded, which has caused severe passenger delays.
The planes were grounded due to mechanical issues. One remains stranded in West Palm Beach, United States, after a blown tire damaged its landing gear cover and other components.
Cooper also said that two aircraft were grounded since August due to delays from the airline’s Canadian engine manufacturer, which has faced supply chain issues affecting pre-air work on Bahamasair’s five-plane ATR fleet.
However, the managing director expressed optimism, saying the affected ATR in West Palm Beach has been repaired and could be released very shortly.
He also sought to assure Bahamians that Bahamasair would not be significantly affected by the loss of the three aircraft. The grounded ATRs are mainly used for domestic inter-island routes, so the airline’s international operations will remain unaffected.
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