Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) is seeking experienced, enthusiastic and imaginative partners to develop and operate a Bahamian-themed food and beverage concession in Lynden Pindling International Airport’s Domestic and International Terminal.
The successful partner will design, finance and operate the concession and bring five to 10 years’ experience in food and beverage operations to the project. NAD is excited about the prospect of expanding its commercial offering to include premium quality Bahamian-inspired delicacies and beverages that will appeal to the complete spectrum of passengers served by the airport.
More information about this exciting opportunity to elevate the airport’s dining options is available in this Request for Proposals.
On behalf of the entire community at Lynden Pindling International Airport, Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) congratulates the following airline partners for winning Airport Service Quality (ASQ) awards for Best Airline in their respective sectors for the fourth quarter of 2017.
U.S. winner: United Airlines
Domestic winner: Southern Air
International winner: Air Canada
We offer a special thanks to all participating stakeholders for continued support for the Airports Council International ASQ Awards, as we strive to provide the best possible travel experience for our passengers. With your help, we can ensure that LPIA remains No Ordinary Airport.
NASSAU, BAHAMAS; March 25, 2018 – North America’s bitter winter is sending residents hard-hit by one storm after another packing, heading for the sun and driving up numbers in visitor arrivals with the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) predicting the busiest Easter weekend on record, officials said yesterday.
“People in Canada and the U.S. who have suffered through a season of what felt like never-ending northeasters are just plain weary and worn down by the weather. The appeal of The Bahamas where they can bask under a shining sun and escape the harsh conditions is so inviting, trading the white of mounds of snow on the ground for the white of warm sand,” said Vernice Walkine, President and CEO of NAD, the company that manages the nation’s busiest airport, Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) in Nassau. “For us, the important takeaway is that whatever is driving the uptick, we have to maintain the highest standards to ensure that our customers, visitors and locals who pass through LPIA, have the quality experience they deserve.”
In addition to NAD’s preparations to meet increased demand, airlines are adding seats. Air Canada and West Jet, both of which serve Canada and account for the bulk of increases in the non-U.S. international arrivals, have altered flight schedules and are flying at nearly 90% capacity.
On Saturday, March 24, LPIA handled 1,014 aircraft movements, nearly double the 600 or so movements on a typical day. One of the strongest segments was private FBOs, including Jet Aviation and Odyssey Aviation. Last year, the busiest travel day of the Easter holiday was the Saturday before Easter with some 23,370 U.S.-bound passengers flying over the 5-day period Thursday through Monday.
The prediction of a record Easter weekend came just days after NAD reported the best December and January in its 11-year history and said bookings looked strong for the coming months. Along with a brutal winter driving weather-weary sufferers south, a stronger U.S. dollar, increases in tourism marketing and the opening of Baha Mar are credited with boosting interest in The Bahamas. In one recent survey of visitors to Exuma, more than 50% said the swimming pigs led them to the destination. And Expedia released figures today showing that The Bahamas was among the top three destinations for regional travel.
According to Ms. Walkine, travelers will benefit from preparing for the holiday rush, including arriving extra early. “We had a great Easter last year and we are expecting an even better and busier one this year,” she said. “As such the public should be aware and encouraged to plan and travel wisely, arrive at least three hours ahead of their flight. That sounds like a lot of lead time, but we have created an atmosphere that makes the airport experience memorable so that it becomes an extension of the positive Bahamas vacation experience. We have comfortable lounges, restaurants, shopping and even outdoor patios to allow visitors to pass the time and get that last bit of sun prior to leaving. NAD and industry partners will also be hosting activities in the terminal to enhance the visitor experience.”
Walkine also had tips for those picking up passengers.
“Be aware of parking options, know the rules and conveniences around dropping off and collecting persons from the airport. We encourage persons picking up from the airport to park in the short term parking lot and we have made this affordable at $2 for a half hour,” she said. This is far more economical and convenient than burning fuel to circle the airport while waiting for your guest or worse, parking in prohibited areas and being towed.
When 151,454 passengers landed at LPIA in December and another 140,314 in January, the numbers represented the highest figures since the pre-recession holidays of 2007/2008. December’s increase was the highest in a single month, up nearly 15,000 over the second best year a decade earlier. Preliminary results for March with Easter falling the 1st of April are even more impressive – up by 24% over 2017 arrivals to date and greater records expected in the next week.
More than 3.3 million passengers pass through LPIA every year with the airport serving 55 destinations via 24 airlines.
NASSAU, BAHAMAS; March 22, 2018 – Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD), the management company responsible for The Bahamas’ busiest airport, reported today that air arrivals at Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) during December 2017 and January 2018 were the highest in the company’s 11-year history and for the first time in a decade exceeded pre-recession travel levels.
Some 151,454 passengers landed at LPIA in December, 140,314 in January, the largest numbers since the pre-recession holidays of 2007/2008. December’s increase was the highest in a single month, up nearly 15,000 over the second-best year a decade earlier. Preliminary results for March are even more impressive – up by 24% over 2017 arrivals.
“The strong increase in air travel to LPIA is excellent news,” said NAD CEO Vernice Walkine. “While we are handling more passengers than ever before, we are also pleased that enhanced systems including pre-clearance check-in kiosks have made the LPIA experience smooth, efficient and enjoyable for passengers from around the world.”
The uptick in arrivals is being driven by several factors, according to airport officials. Among them, an increase in airlift, the return of Sunwing Airlines, strengthening of the Canadian dollar and a brutally cold winter in the U.S. northeast and Canada. They also credit a marketing and promotional ramp-up by Ministry of Tourism and destination partners, especially in Canada and specific markets in the U.S. and U.K. “Canada is driving growth in international arrivals all on its own,” said Jan Knowles, Vice President, Marketing and Commercial Development.
Canada has led the impact on the higher numbers with both West Jet and Air Canada seeing significant growth in their passenger numbers this season and capacity on flights averaging 89%. The bitter cold and a change in flight times help account for the Canadian boost. British Airways also enjoyed about a 10% increase in air arrivals. According to another NAD official, a Baltimore to Nassau route operated by Southwest Airlines showed a strong increase over last year’s performance.
The Baha Mar factor is yet to be quantified but officials report that nearly every U.S. airline has added seats in anticipation of increased demand driven by marketing of the new luxury resort and casino. Various promotion boards’ marketing efforts are also credited with the image of Exuma’s famed swimming pigs driving traffic from far-off places to the islands of The Bahamas.
Overall, a 15% increase is projected in non-U.S. international seat capacity through June 2018.
According to Walkine, the company which has employed Bahamahost training for front-line staff across LPIA has focused on excellence in service delivery. That focus has paid off. Earlier this month LPIA walked away with third place honours when the Airports Council International announced its Best Airports in the Latin America and Caribbean Region. More than 600,000 passengers throughout the region participated in the ranking process.
More than 3.3 million passengers pass through LPIA every year with the airport serving 55 destinations via 24 airlines.
NASSAU, BAHAMAS; March 6, 2018 – Airports Council International (ACI) World today announced the winners of its 2017 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards. Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) earned a third-place tied ranking for Best Airport serving more than two million passengers per year in the Latin America-Caribbean region.
2017 marks the seventh year of LPIA participation in ASQ surveys, and the second consecutive year that the airport has placed in the region’s top three. Ecuador’s Guayaquil Airport earned first place, Mexico’s Los Cabos claimed second place, with LPIA and the Dominican Republic’s Punta Cana in a tie for third.
ACI World presents awards to airports with the highest passenger survey ratings across 34 key performance indicators, including access, check-in, restrooms, shops and restaurants. It is also the only worldwide programme to survey passengers at the airport on their day of travel, delivering some 600,000 individual surveys per year in 42 languages in 84 countries.
“Since 2011, the team at LPIA has consistently elevated the passenger experience across every aspect of our operation. This second consecutive top three ranking from ACI World is a testament to these shared efforts to deliver a world-class airport experience to our valued passengers,” said Vernice Walkine, President & CEO, Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD). “Today’s award spurs our team to keep striving for the coveted top airport ranking in our region.”
This success is the result of several initiatives to improve the passenger experience at LPIA – from automated passport control kiosks that streamline the preclearance process to providing BahamaHost customer service training to front-line staff.
“Objective measurement and benchmarking are critical in driving performance in any business especially in such a competitive and dynamic one as an airport,” said Angela Gittens, Director General, ACI World. “These winning airports have dedicated themselves to delivering a stellar customer experience. ACI World proudly recognizes the accomplishments of all airports in the global ASQ network. I look forward to celebrating with them in September.”
As the primary international gateway to The Bahamas, Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) is the fourth busiest airport in the Caribbean. Services include scheduled and charter flights to the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean and 23 neighboring islands in the Bahamas. In 2017, LPIA served 3.3 million passengers travelling with 23 airlines to almost 60 destinations.
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For further information:
Jan Knowles
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Nassau Airport Development Company
Email: jan.knowles@nas.bs
Phone: 242-702-1089
Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) is seeking prescribed EOIs from qualified proponents for the design, financing, construction and operation of an on-airport hotel and multi-purpose facility at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA).
The hotel and facility would play an important role in meeting the needs of connecting or in-transit domestic and international travelers; and enhance the passenger experience by providing conveniences, quality services and amenities for both business and leisure passengers.
Qualifications:
Interested proponents should have at least 10 years of experience as a developer and operator of hotels within The Bahamas, Caribbean region or otherwise internationally and preferably in an airport environment.
Interested proponents must clearly demonstrate the ability to finance, develop and operate any hotel and multi-use facility project deemed feasible for the airport.
NAD’s Goals and Objectives are to:
- Meet the needs of passengers and other airport stakeholders by providing appropriate amenities and services within the airport footprint.
- Understand the current availability, capabilities and preferences of potential proponents to Design, Build, Finance & Operate an on-airport hotel and multi-use facility at LPIA.
A detailed and confidential Expression of Interest Document for the above is available for distribution to potential proponents via email by contacting Ms. Jan Knowles, Vice President, Marketing and Commercial Development at jan.knowles@nas.bs.
Documents may also be collected from NAD’s Executive Offices located on the 3rd floor of The International Arrivals Terminal at The Lynden Pindling International Airport. Documents will be distributed up to 4:00 P.M. EST on March 23, 2018.
Submissions in response to this EOI are to be received no later than Midnight EST on Friday, May 11, 2018. After reviewing responses, NAD may request additional information or may schedule individual meetings with any respondent to gain additional information about the expression of interest.
The Commercial Marketing and Development team at Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) is hiring for an exciting role in marketing and promotions at Lynden Pindling International.
The Manager, Marketing and Promotions, will lead the development and delivery of comprehensive marketing and communications programming at LPIA, to improve the passenger experience, drive revenue and promote and enhance the airport brand.
More information about this exciting role at our award-winning airport is available on the Careers page.
The Commercial Marketing and Development team at Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) is seeking an enthusiastic professional for a dynamic role at Lynden Pindling International.
The Manager, Commercial Business Development, will lead all commercial business opportunities at LPIA, to improve the passenger experience and drive revenue for the airport.
More information about this exciting role at our award-winning airport is available on the Careers page.
Nassau Airport Development Company Limited (NAD) is seeking interested proponents (individual, consortium or joint venture) to design, build, finance and operate multiple duty free retail stores at The Lynden Pindling International Airport.
Interested proponents are asked to provide:
- A list of all local or internationally recognized brands the proponent is licensed to sell
- The proposed categories of duty free items/stores the proponent would wish to provide
- A proposed revenue share model with NAD including minimum annual guarantees. NAD welcomes innovative revenue models in the expression of interest
- List of stores and their square footage owned and operated by the proponent
- Confirmation that the proponent has the capacity to build-out at least 3,000 square feet of retail spaces at a minimum of B$450.00 per square foot
Minimum Qualifications:
- Proponents must be a licensed Bahamian company or joint venture with a licensed Bahamian company
- 5 years experience as a major duty free concessionaire at an airport
NAD’s Goals and Objectives are to:
- Achieve a high standard of excellence and customer service
- Offer concepts & services that will appeal to the complete spectrum of passengers served by the airport
A detailed Expression of Interest Document is available for distribution to qualified and interested parties via email by contacting Troy Strachan, Manager Commercial Development at troy.strachan@nas.bs.
Documents may also be collected from NAD’s Executive Offices located on the 3rd floor of The International Arrivals Terminal at The Lynden Pindling International Airport. Documents will be distributed up to 4:00 p.m. on January 22, 2018.
Submissions in response to this EOI are to be received no later than 4:00 p.m. February 23, 2018. After reviewing responses, NAD may request additional information or may schedule individual meetings with any respondent to gain additional information about the expression of interest.
On Wednesday November 29, 2017, stakeholders at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) will conduct a full-scale emergency exercise. The drill scenario will begin at 6 p.m. with a call to NAD’s Operations Center from an MD80 aircraft inbound from ‘Safe-ville’ declaring an emergency landing at LPIA.
Local and international aviation regulations require airports to establish an emergency plan commensurate with the aircraft operations and other activities conducted at the airport. Regulations also mandate that a full-scale emergency exercise should be conducted at intervals not exceeding two years to evaluate the Emergency Plan.
In addition to passengers and airline crew, teams from local emergency response agencies including the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Royal Bahamas Defense Force, Civil Aviation Authority, Bahamas Air Navigation Services (BANS), Bahamas Air Accident, Investigation and Prevention Unit (BAAIPU), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Airport Authority, MED Evac, Bahamas Red Cross Society, Princess Margaret Hospital, Doctors Hospital and Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) will participate in the drill. Volunteers will pose as crewmembers and passengers involved in the incident. The most recent emergency drill exercise at LPIA took place in December 2015.
Deborah Coleby, NAD’s Vice President of Operations says putting LPIA’s emergency plan to the test allows all agencies involved to assess their individual level of preparedness and orchestrate a coordinated response.
“Upon completion of the exercise, a hot debrief will be conducted and a final report generated will provide feedback by local and international evaluators. Improvements are made based on the findings of the final report and the the airport’s Emergency Plan is updated accordingly,” Coleby explained.
Wednesday’s exercise is expected to last approximately four hours. Passengers are advised that air travel to LPIA will not be impacted during the drill. NAD encourages travelers to proceed with their travel plans as scheduled. Members of the general public are also advised that there will be emergency response vehicles in the vicinity of the airport during the drill.