Air transport is crucial to the island nations of the region — and now one destination is putting a renewed emphasis on the sector. 

The Bahamas just launched its first-ever Aviation Week, a full schedule of events focused on growing, understanding and addressing the aviation industry in the country. 

The new event will take place every fourth week in October, with the first edition running now through Oct. 29. 

The event will gather stakeholders to participate in “insightful discussions on the future of aviation in the country,” according to a statement from the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation. 

“I am pleased to see the launch of the first-ever Bahamas Aviation Week. As an

archipelagic nation, aviation plays an integral role in social connectivity and stimulating the economy for local communities,” said Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Chester Cooper. “I wish to express my gratitude to the aviation leaders for their efforts, commitment, focus, drive and synergy. We will continue to execute the mandate of our National Aviation Strategic Plan, as we aim to be a global trailblazer in aviation excellence.”

The week began with a Bahamasair delegation to the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association’s conference in Cancun. 

This week is seeing a host of activities, including events at the Baha Mar, the Balmoral Club and the National Training Agency. 

“This historic Aviation Week and the plethora of activities further solidify a shared commitment to the strategic transformation of our aviation ecosystem that will position our destination as the regional exemplar of aviation excellence,” said Dr Kenneth Romer, deputy director general of the Ministry of Tourism. 

The news coming out of the week includes a slew of new and returning airlift, from major carriers like Air Canada and American Airlines to Sunwing, Air Caraibes and Western Air, among others.