Four Florida FBO's Selected As "Gateways"

The Islands of The Bahamas Aviation Department has been working with Florida FBO's for many years, and recently launched The Bahamas Gateway FBO's with several operators strategically located throughout South Florida. The aim of the partnerships is to  make it easier for private pilots to get procedural information for flying to and from the various islands.

The four FBO's selected as Bahamas Gateway FBO's have personnel trained by the Bahamas Tourist Office staff on all aspects of U.S. and Bahamas requirements for aircraft departing or arriving the U.S.  mainland. Those four FBO's include:

• Opa Locka Airport - Miami Executive Aviation
• Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport - Banyan Air Service
• Stuart/Palm Beach Airport - Galaxy Aviation of Palm Beach
• St. Lucie International Airport - Air Center/Fort Pierce

The Bahamas Gateway FBO's and are able to provide Customs and Immigration information as well as supplies and even up-to-the minute information on the Bahamas. 

Greg Rolle, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation Chief Aviation Specialist, said in his announcement: "The FBOs ... have shown much interest in working with The Islands of the Bahamas."  He said that because of their interest, the Bahamas Aviation Department conducted training of the staff, and has included them in their marketing activities such as trade shows and promotional ventures.

Rolle said he hope more FBO's will receive the Gateway designation in the future.

FMI: www.bahamas.com