The Tribune

The Bahamas’ aviation chief has addressed a major airport conference on how destinations such as this nation can attract a greater share of transatlantic airlift.

Dr Kenneth Romer, director of aviation and deputy director general of tourism, represented The Bahamas and Caribbean at The International Association of Airport Executives (IAAE) North America/Europe airport issues conference, held in Prague, the Czech Republic, from October 4-6.

Dr Romer, who is also the first person from the Caribbean to serve on the IAAE Board of Directors, addressed the gathering on the topic, ‘Winning transatlantic growth: The new playbook for air service development’. He explored how airports in North America and Europe are adapting their air service development strategies in a more constrained and competitive transatlantic market. 

“Transatlantic growth is no longer about convincing an airline to fly over the Atlantic. It's about convincing them to choose your side of the Atlantic amidst global aircraft constraints, while adopting an inclusive strategy to de-risk with data, differentiate with experience, and deliver with partnership”, said Dr Romer.

With regions such as The Bahamas, Caribbean and Latin America seeking to leverage a greater share of business from Europe, UK and other emerging markets, Dr Romer asserted that winning destinations must focus on key areas.

These include the role of data-driven route analysis; closer alignment between airports; destination marketing partners and airline network planning; collaboration with regional partners to support sustainable route growth; and understanding how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping route planning and demand forecasting.

The IAAE conference brings together airport executives, government officials and aviation specialists from both sides of the Atlantic to explore the industry’s future, with a strategic focus on topics including greenfield airport development; geopolitical challenges; route development; digital transformation; environmental, social and governance (ESG) and sustainability; strategic partnerships and innovative development.

The conference provides a forum for US, UK, Canadian, European, Latin and Central American, and Caribbean airports, aviation firms and service providers to showcase expertise, identify partnership and investment opportunities, and strengthen relationships while leaving with practical insights and valuable connections.