Bahamasair Eyes Airbus A220 for Fleet Upgrade
Bahamasair, the state-owned airline of the Bahamas, is charting a bold course to modernize its fleet and expand its market reach. The carrier is reportedly evaluating a potential order for Airbus A220 narrowbody aircraft, a move aimed at replacing its aging Boeing 737-700 jets and enhancing its connectivity across the Caribbean and the United States.
At the recent Routes Americas conference in Nassau, Bahamas, held between February 10 and 12, 2025, CEO Tracy Cooper detailed the airline’s forward-looking strategy. “The main aircraft that we’re looking at is the Airbus A220,” Cooper stated. He added that the decision, expected to be made later this year, could lead to an impressive 13-15% reduction in operational costs. The anticipated order could range from eight to ten new A220 aircraft, positioning Bahamasair to phase out its fleet of four aging Boeing 737-700s, whose average age is now around 21 years.
This potential acquisition marks a significant shift in the airline’s operational approach. Unlike its current Boeing and ATR fleet—where all aircraft are wholly owned—the new Airbus aircraft would likely be financed partly through leasing arrangements, reflecting a modern approach to fleet management and capital allocation. In addition to the four Boeing jets, Bahamasair operates five ATR turboprops (three ATR42-600s and two ATR72-600s) primarily used for domestic routes around the Bahamas. However, the airline has faced recent challenges, including difficulties in sourcing spare parts, with two ATRs currently listed as “inactive.”
Expanding its footprint, Bahamasair currently serves four major US airports from its Nassau-Lynden Pindling International Airport base. These include Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Miami International Airport, Orlando International Airport, and Palm Beach International Airport. In addition, the carrier connects 17 other destinations, featuring 13 domestic routes within the Bahamas and international flights to Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Cap-Haitien in Haiti, Havana in Cuba, and Montego Bay in Jamaica.
Cooper emphasized that the Airbus A220 would not only serve as a replacement for older jets but also open new horizons. “The airplane can fly easily to the full [breadth] of the US and get us well into Latin America,” he noted. With a range of approximately 3,900 miles (6,240 km) and a seating configuration that can accommodate between 120 to 150 passengers, the A220 offers significant advantages over the current Boeing 737-700 fleet. Its extended range and efficiency also position it as a strong competitor to the Embraer E195-E2 family of aircraft, which is often compared with the A220.
The airline’s strategic investment in newer aircraft underscores its role as a critical contributor to the Bahamian economy. Cooper stressed the importance of maintaining and enhancing vital routes, particularly those to Florida, where interline agreements with major carriers help drive tourism and support local hospitality industries. With around 11 million visitors recorded in 2024, Bahamasair’s evolution is poised to further bolster the nation’s travel and tourism sector.
This potential fleet upgrade, centered on the Airbus A220, represents a major milestone for Bahamasair as it seeks to modernize its operations, reduce costs, and expand its international reach—all while supporting the economic vitality of the Bahamas.
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