What is the thinking behind the recent upgrade projects at Nassau’s airport? 

The Bahamas is highly dependent upon tourism and financial services as drivers of its economy. Both of these economic sectors depend upon air transport and the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) in Nassau is the main airport for the Bahamas. The upgrade was necessary because the former facilities were no longer capable of meeting demand and the government of the Bahamas contracted Vancouver Airport Services to manage the airport and the $400 million redevelopment project. 

The phasing of the LPIA redevelopment project, with three terminals being developed – US pre-clearance, international and domestic – will provide many opportunities for the new LPIA brand to communicate the amenities, features and services that will make LPIA the best airport experience in the entire region. 

How has the redevelopment been received by passengers and airlines? 

The first stage of the redevelopment project was completed and opened in March 2011 – the new US Departures Terminal. It has been extremely well received because of its design features and amenities, such as more retail and food and beverage outlets, art installations, outdoor dining spaces. Users of the space have all offered praise for the efficient use of space, the volume of the facility, use of windows for light, inclusion of Bahamian art and the variety of retail and food and beverage options.

How has your passenger traffic grown in recent years? 

Passenger traffic to Nassau has been affected over the past three years in the same way that it has to most destinations where economies have been affected by the global recession. However, the airport has had good performance from the international (non-US) routes, stability from its domestic routes within the country, and traffic on its US routes is being restored. It is projected that this summer’s passenger traffic would equal the levels achieved pre-recession.

Who are your key airline customers?

Key US carriers include: JetBlue, American/American Eagle, US Airways, Continental, Spirit, AirTran, Delta. Key international carriers include: British Airways, Air Canada, WestJet and Air Jamaica. The national flag carrier, Bahamasair, has a codeshare agreement with US Airways, which has driven up its passenger numbers considerably. JetBlue has expanded its markets served, and has added more frequencies from key markets like Fort Lauderdale, which will improve its connectivity beyond that gateway. British Airways and the Canadian carriers have all performed solidly over the course of the past year.

What route would you most like to see being launched to Nassau?

With the launch of Copa Airlines non-stop service to Nassau from Panama City on June 15, the entire South American and Central American marketplaces are open to Nassau and the other islands of the Bahamas. The next priority is non-stop, year-round service from Chicago to Nassau. Seasonal service in previous years has been inadequate in meeting the demands of the Midwest marketplace.

What are the unique challenges of operating an airport in the Caribbean? 

Some of the challenges include the high cost of utilities such as electricity, and the logistics of sea freight for all airport supplies and construction materials. Another challenge is training our team to operate the airport in a private, financially independent manner, and take on increasing responsibility, including executive roles within the organisation.

Do you work with your tourism authority on marketing initiatives? 

The Bahamas is in the fortunate position of having a mature and sophisticated tourism industry involving a solid partnership between the public and private sectors. We work very closely with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, as well as the private sector group, the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, made up of member hotels, to secure airlift, and to initiate and execute events and activities that will drive route development and passenger traffic.

What are the Bahamas’ greatest tourism strengths? 

Having been in the tourism and hospitality business longer than any other destination in the region means that there is a strong workforce of experienced tourism professionals.

The Bahamas comprises many islands and cays, of which some 16 have been identified for substantial tourism development and growth, making the country its own mini-Caribbean. 

The Bahamas have more beaches than anywhere else, the 100,000 square miles of warm waters have been scientifically proven to be the clearest in the world, with organisms that need light to live being found deeper in the waters of the Bahamas.

The proximity of the archipelago to the United States is a tremendous asset, making the country the most popular place for Americans when they are taking their first off-shore vacation trip; Florida is 30-minutes away by plane, New York is only two and a half hours’ away.

Finally, the Bahamas is a politically stable democracy, the official language is English and the American dollar is accepted at par with the Bahamian dollar. The Bahamas is home to Atlantis Resort, one of the best-known vacation brands in the world.

Which markets does the Bahamas appeal to the most? 

The US market is the most viable for the Bahamas, in view of the size of its economy and the geographic proximity of the entire east coast. The strongest markets are New York and Florida. 

Is seasonality an issue in the Bahamas? 

Not to the degree that it used to bet however, there are definite peaks, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year; February through May; then July to August. Most of our airlift is year-round, with occasional seasonal services to markets such as Boston and Calgary in winter and Houston and Dallas in summer.

Is the island looking to diversify its tourism offering? 

Since I have been here, I have been amazed at the level and pace of progress taking place – from the development of new roads and highways, a new shipping port and terminal, a new international airport at LPIA and world-class resorts. The tourism industry is clearly poised for future growth. The $3.4 billion Baha Mar Resort Development will add a new dimension to Nassau’s tourism product when complete in 2014.

What is your aviation background? 

I’ve worked at the Vancouver International Airport in corporate finance, at the Hamilton International Airport as CFO and my current role. Previous to my airport career, I worked in construction project management and banking. I am also a licensed pilot.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 

Almost any type of outdoor activity and spending time with my family.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

This is easy – being advised to hire Vernice Walkine. The former director general of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism became our vice president of marketing and communications last November and, quite frankly, it is one of the best decisions I ever made!