This week, Nassau Airport Development Company will share its plans to integrate solar power at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) at the upcoming Ministry of Energy and Transport’s Energy Summit. On November 7, 2024, Kevin McDonald, NAD’s Vice President of Engineering and Maintenance, will join a panel of key stakeholders as part of the event’s theme, “Accelerating The Bahamas Energy Transition through Innovation and Strategic Partnerships.” He will discuss NAD’s path to sustainable energy solutions, specifically the development of a scalable solar power system at LPIA.
“Solar energy is an essential part of our vision for a more resilient and sustainable LPIA,” said McDonald. “This upcoming project allows us to harness our natural resources, stabilize energy costs, and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, which is increasingly important as The Bahamas navigates energy challenges and looks towards a greener future.”
LPIA’s solar project is anticipated to roll out in three stages: design, procurement, and implementation. NAD currently has an RFP open for the engineering and design phase on the government’s procurement portal. The project is expected to begin at 1 megawatt and could expand to as much as 3.4 megawatts pending government approvals and regulatory changes. The estimated cost of the phased project ranges from $2.5 million for 1MW up to $8.5 million for 3.4MW.
The grid-tied system will require collaboration with Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) to ensure seamless integration into the existing energy infrastructure. The project is also contingent upon the support of key stakeholders including the Ministry of Energy and Transport and URCA. Transitioning a major consumer like LPIA to sustainable solar power could set the stage for an energy shift that addresses the island’s current power supply challenges while meeting the airport’s operational needs.
“Collaborating with government, regulators, and utility providers is essential to scaling this initiative,” added McDonald. “As legislation and infrastructure evolve, we can create a reliable, renewable energy source that benefits the airport and wider Bahamian community.”
NAD initially began exploring solar options in 2017, though plans were delayed due to the pandemic. Now, construction is anticipated to begin by fall 2025, moving LPIA closer to achieving a sustainable, reliable energy supply that can better support the airport’s needs during peak operating hours, while also positioning The Bahamas at the forefront of renewable energy adoption in the region.
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Image 1 caption: Kevin McDonald, Vice President of Engineering & Maintenance, NAD to speak at upcoming Ministry of Energy and Transport summit.
Media Contacts:
Jan Knowles, Vice President, Marketing and Commercial Development
Nassau Airport Development Company
Email: jan.knowles@nas.bs
Phone: 242 702 1000
For Immediate Release
Nassau, Bahamas – October 20, 2024 – The Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) will conduct a simulated full-scale emergency exercise at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) on Thursday, October 24, starting at approximately 8:00 p.m. This exercise is a key component of the airport’s Safety Management System and emergency response plan and must be carried out every two years, as required by both The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas (CAA-B) to ensure preparedness for real-life aviation emergencies.
The emergency exercise at LPIA is a critical training opportunity for emergency responders to practice managing a complex aviation incident in real time. By simulating a crash scenario, the exercise will provide responders with valuable hands-on experience in coordinating emergency procedures and managing resources during a crisis.
Jonathan Hanna, Vice President of Operations at NAD, highlighted the importance of the exercise as part of LPIA’s ongoing commitment to safety and compliance with international and local aviation regulations. “Regularly scheduled emergency exercises like this one are not only a regulatory requirement but also essential to ensuring that our airport and its stakeholders are fully prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to actual emergencies,” Hanna explained. “During the exercise, we will work closely with stakeholders to test the response capabilities of various agencies. It provides an opportunity for all entities to practice their roles in a controlled environment, enhancing our readiness for any potential incidents.”
Planning an exercise of this scale requires months of preparation and close coordination among numerous agencies to simulate a realistic emergency response. Cleavon Nixon, NAD’s Manager of Safety & Emergency Operations, provided insight into the level of preparation required for the event. “Preparing for this drill takes months of planning. We work closely with our partners to ensure every detail is covered. This training not only enhances our emergency response skills but also strengthens the relationships and communication channels among all agencies,” Nixon stated.
A total of 14 agencies will participate in this year’s drill, including Nassau Airport Development, Airport Authority, Bahamas Air Navigational Services Authority, National Emergency Medical Services, Public Hospitals Authority, Royal Bahamas Police Force, Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Air Accident Investigation Authority, Bahamas Immigration, Bahamas Customs, Department of Meteorology, United States Embassy, United States Customs and Border Protection Services, and the Disaster Risk Management Authority.
Recruits from the Royal Bahamas Police Force will participate as volunteer actors, portraying passengers, family members, and friends to make the scenario more realistic.
The full-scale emergency exercise underscores LPIA’s commitment to the safety of its passengers, staff, and the wider community. By rigorously testing its emergency response protocols, LPIA is better equipped to handle unexpected incidents with professionalism and efficiency.
Ahead of the event, the public is advised that the exercise will involve significant emergency activity, including flashing lights, sirens, and emergency vehicles travelling to and from the airport and on the airfield. These activities are part of the exercise and do not indicate an actual emergency. NAD assures travelers that the exercise will not affect regular flight operations.
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Photo caption 1: LPIA stakeholder to test emergency response during a simulated drill on Thursday October 24th at approximately 8 p.m.
Media Contacts:
Jan Knowles, Vice President, Marketing and Commercial Development Nassau Airport Development Company
Email: jan.knowles@nas.bs
Phone: 242 702 1000
For Immediate Release
Nassau, Bahamas – October 16, 2024 – Jan Knowles, Vice President of Marketing and Commercial Development at Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD), recently took part in a high-profile panel discussion at Routes World 2024, held in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The session, titled Meet the Hosts of 2025, featured Knowles along with other prominent aviation and tourism industry leaders, Antonio Martín-Machuca, Cooperation Manager for the Government of Andalusia in Spain, and Vivian Cheung, Acting CEO of Airport Authority Hong Kong.
The panel discussion centered on how the upcoming locations are gearing up to host major Routes-branded events next year. The Bahamas will host Routes Americas 2025 from February 10th-12th, the Government of Andalusia will host Routes Europe, and Hong Kong will be the site of Routes World 2025. Each panelist shared insights into their destination’s strategies and preparations, offering a glimpse into the unique experiences that await attendees.
Speaking on behalf of The Bahamas, Knowles highlighted the country’s excitement about hosting Routes Americas for the second time in February 2025. “The Bahamas is thrilled to welcome Routes Americas once again, following our first time as hosts in 2012. At that time, our airport was in the middle of a major infrastructural upgrade. Now, with significant growth and expansion on the horizon, the timing is perfect,” she said.
Routes Americas 2025 will bring together around 1,000 delegates, including airports, airlines, and tourism officials from across the globe, to discuss and explore new route development opportunities. Key partners for The Bahamas event include NAD, the Ministry of Tourism, Aviation and Investments, and the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board. The forum will take place at the iconic Atlantis resort, creating a vibrant setting for networking, collaboration, and industry advancement.
As The Bahamas continues to enhance its aviation and tourism infrastructure, the upcoming event represents a major opportunity to showcase the destination’s growth and commitment to facilitating global air service development.
Photo caption: NAD’s Vice President of Marketing & Commercial Development Jan Knowles (third from right) addresses aviation and tourism industry panel at Routes World 2024 in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Knowles discussed the upcoming Routes Americas 2025 event set for February 10-12 on Paradise Island. Picture l to r: Nico Spyrou, Head of Partnerships, Routes (moderator), Knowles, Antonio Martín-Machuca, Cooperation Manager for the Government of Andalusia in Spain and Vivian Cheung, Acting CEO of Airport Authority Hong Kong.
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Media Contacts:
Jan Knowles, Vice President, Marketing and Commercial Development
Nassau Airport Development Company
Email: jan.knowles@nas.bs
Phone: 242 702 1000
Nassau, Bahamas – August 30, 2024 –Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) is set to host its annual Health & Safety Expo at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) on Friday, September 6th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition to airport stakeholders, staff and passengers, this year’s event will be open to the general public.
Focused on the theme of “Wellness With A Purpose”, organizers are aiming to raise awareness around crucial health and wellness topics, emphasizing the importance of personal well-being and workplace safety within the airport community. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with various health and safety experts, participate in hands-on demonstrations, and access resources that will benefit them both professionally and personally. Major event partners include NAD, the Ministry of Health & Wellness, Doctors Hospital, the Bahamas Red Cross, and other corporate sponsors.
Commenting on the significance of the expo, Jonathan Hanna, Vice President of Operations at NAD stated, “As airport operators, we recognize that health and safety are critical components of our overall operation. This expo is an extension of NAD’s mission to foster positive relationships with our partners here at LPIA and to connect to the communities that we serve. By opening the event to the public for the first time, we are expanding our reach and making important resources accessible to a wider audience.”
The Health & Safety Expo will feature 14 vendor booths and will take place in Garden C at LPIA, between the US Departures and International Arrivals terminal buildings. Free parking will be available for attendees.
Photo: Airport community prepares for upcoming Health & Safety Expo on September 6th. Event is open to the public.
Media Contacts:
Jan Knowles, Vice President, Marketing and Commercial Development
Nassau Airport Development Company
Email: jan.knowles@nas.bs
Phone: 242 702 1000
Nassau, Bahamas – August 12, 2024 – Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) has achieved a significant milestone, welcoming a record 4.06 million passengers in fiscal year 2024. This remarkable performance surpasses the previous record of 3.99 million passengers set in FY2019, reflecting the airport’s robust and steady post-pandemic recovery. LPIA also set a previous calendar year passenger record of 4.1 million in 2019 and is on track to surpass that number by December 2024.
In FY2024, passenger numbers increased by 9.27% YOY across all sectors: U.S., International and Domestic. A total of 2,863,556 million U.S., 449,988 International, and 747,388 Domestic passengers were recorded. This consistent pandemic recovery began in FY2022 with 2.8 million passengers across all three sectors and continued in FY2023 with 3.7 million. Officials at Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) attribute the success to strategic efforts and collaboration with industry partners.
Vernice Walkine, President & CEO of NAD, credited several factors for the record-breaking performance including new service to the destination, increased seat capacity on existing routes and expanded seasonal routes to provide more access to Nassau/Paradise Island.
“We’re absolutely delighted that for our fiscal year 2024, which encompasses the budget period July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 that we’ve actually had our best fiscal year ever,” she said.
“The demand for Nassau/Paradise Island has continued to be very strong. Post pandemic we’ve seen tremendous growth. Our key airlines have increased their seat capacity into the destination because they are seeing the demand.”
The airport’s total seat capacity reached 6.379M in FY2024, up 18% YOY and 11% over levels tracked in FY2019. U.S. sector seats accounted for 4.1M, an increase of 16% since FY2019. International sector seat capacity expanded to 1.036M, up 41% over FY2019.
Walkine said LPIA also exceeded pre-pandemic airlift numbers during FY2024: “This was due in large part to our partners who worked hand in glove with us to make sure that we could attract the additional airlift that we needed and make sure that we could accommodate it here at the airport. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has done a number of missions to various markets; the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB) is very aggressive in meeting with the various airlines to talk about opportunities and so through all of the efforts of these partners we’ve been able to attract the additional airlift out of new gateways and also have the airlines add more seats out of traditional gateways as well.”
Numbers for July, the first month of FY2025, show strong performance with 412,234 total passengers traveling through LPIA, 2.8% above the previous year. NAD anticipates the same trends in August. As passenger numbers continue to grow, airport stakeholders are committed to enhancing connectivity, improving the overall guest experience, and sustaining growth at the country’s main gateway.
Media Contacts:
Jan Knowles, Vice President, Marketing and Commercial Development
Nassau Airport Development Company
Email: jan.knowles@nas.bs
Phone: 242 702 1000
History:
The Bahamas, an archipelago that is made up of hundreds of islands and cays, was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492. Columbus’ expedition was backed by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. Consequently, the islands were initially subject to the rule of the Spanish Government.
Thereafter, the Bahamian islands were ruled by America for a brief period and were finally possessed by Great Britain. After decades of debate and legal transactions, the Islands of The Bahamas were granted self-government by Great Britain in 1964. This was followed in 1969 with the Colony of the Bahamas becoming the Commonwealth of the Bahamas thus opening the door for full independence.
On July 10th 1973, after 300 years of being a colony, The Bahamas made the peaceful transition to nationhood by becoming an Independent Nation. Since the attainment of Independence in 1973, July 10th has been observed as a National Holiday across the archipelago and in Bahamian Foreign Missions.
NASSAU, BAHAMAS June 30, 2024— Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) is proud to announce its recent reaccreditation by Airports Council International (ACI) for exceptional customer experience.
The airport is one of 19 facilities in the region to attain the mark of excellence for consistent delivery of outstanding service centered on the passenger experience. Having first received accreditation in 2019, the airport is being reaccredited post-pandemic accounting for the change in guest needs and expectations.
To obtain reaccreditation, participating airports undergo a thorough assessment of airport services, facilities, and overall guest satisfaction. Staff and stakeholders take part in a comprehensive review and training process focused on a 360˚ view of guest experience management.
Vernice Walkine, President & CEO at Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) said the achievement underscores LPIA’s commitment to providing an extraordinary travel experience. “ Our operations are passenger-centric and we strive to exceed expectations at every touchpoint. As the first and last impression of our destination, we want to treat all of our passengers as guests,” Walkine said. “We are pleased to receive this reaccreditation, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire airport community. This certification reaffirms our commitment to creating a seamless and enjoyable journey for everyone who passes through our airport.”
Jonathan Hanna, Vice President of Operations at NAD emphasized the importance of continuous improvement: “At LPIA, we continue to use tools to measure guest experience. We have been using the globally recognized ASQ (Airport Service Quality) surveys for many years to better anticipate guest needs. Our goal is to build on this reaccreditation by implementing innovative solutions to further enhance the guest experience. We have an ambitious target of becoming a 5-star facility and we believe that we can get there by listening to our guests and meeting their needs at every step.”
As part of an ongoing commitment to enhancing guest experience, LPIA has implemented several initiatives aimed at improving guest satisfaction through investment in its people, technology and assets. These include bringing on additional guest service team members to assist the traveling public, guest experience training for front line staff, investing in technology to provide real-time information to passengers and a robust capital project plan aimed at making improvements to the facility.
Looking ahead, LPIA seeks to further improve guest experience by expanding amenities and focusing on accessibility, sustainability and overall guest convenience.
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Media Contacts:
Jan Knowles, Vice President, Marketing and Commercial Development
Nassau Airport Development Company
Email: jan.knowles@nas.bs
Phone: 242 702 1000
NASSAU, BAHAMAS June 10, 2024—In an effort to connect airport concessionaires with a pool of quality job candidates, Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) and the Department of Labour recently collaborated to host a job fair. The event was held at the National Training Agency on Gladstone Road.
More than 15 employers, including major retail and food & beverage companies operating from Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA), were present and conducted on-the-spot interviews. The job fair saw an impressive turnout, with some 555 job seekers registering ahead of the event.
Vernice Walkine, President & CEO at NAD said the fair came about to address a pressing need for airport stakeholders to have access to quality employment candidates. Addressing the gaps in employment at LPIA is even more critical as the airport begins an exciting journey to becoming a 5-star facility.
“It’s important for us at LPIA to ensure that we have good employees because the airport is really all about improving the passenger experience, ensuring that we provide good customer service and we’re looking for good persons to help us achieve that,” Walkine said.
During the five-hour event, the Department of Labour’s team worked closely with NAD to ensure that all candidates had the proper documents and moved seamlessly through the process.
Matthew Knowles, Manager of My Ocean at LPIA commended NAD and the Department of Labour for facilitating the event and recognizing the important role airport workers play in the overall tourism product. “LPIA is the first impression that a tourist has of The Bahamas and its last impression. That’s very important.”
Knowles continued: “We are ahead of the curve in the tourism industry, there’s no question about that and LPIA is a reflection of that. As Bahamians we know what we are doing, especially in tourism and servicing the visitors to this country.”
Simone Thurston, Manager of the Public Employment Services Unit, Department of Labour thanked the team at NAD for partnering on the initiative. Her department also used the opportunity to augment their database in the event candidates are unsuccessful in securing employment at LPIA.
Given the positive feedback and successful outcome of the job fair, NAD and the Department of Labour are exploring opportunities for future collaborations. Plans are already underway for additional job fairs and recruitment events to continue supporting the employment needs of the airport and its partners.
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Video link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fUGCRZU8a1HVfMXnb7sTidjM1kxZRE2U?usp=sharing
Speakers:
- Vernice Walkine, President & CEO, NAD
- Charlotte Knowles-Thompson, Marketing Coordinator, NAD
- Simone Thurston, Manager of the Public Employment Services Unit, Department of
Labour - Dion Miller, Food and Beverage Operations Manager, John Bull Group of Companies
- Matthew Knowles, Manager, My Ocean
Photos attached.
Photo Caption 1: LPIA Concessionaires participate in Job Fair to fill roles at airport outlets
Photo Caption 2: LPIA and the Department of Labour Connect Airport Tenants With 500+ Job Seekers
Photo Caption 3: Department of Labour teams up with LPIA to welcome more than 500 job fair candidates
Photo Caption 4: Hundreds turnout for LPIA concessionaires job fair held at the National Training Agency
Photo Caption 5: Job seekers connect with potential employers at LPIA Job Fair
Media Contacts:
Jan Knowles, Vice President, Marketing and Commercial Development
Nassau Airport Development Company
Email: jan.knowles@nas.bs
Phone: 242 702 1000
The Lynden Pindling International Airport in conjunction with the Department of Labour will host a Job Fair at the National Training Agency on Wednesday, May 29, from 9:00am to 2:00pm and we invite job seekers to join us.
Requirements are on the flyer and persons are asked to scan the QR Code to register.