The Honourable Obie Wilchcombe, Bahamas Minister of Tourism recently launched a new concept to make flying from The Bahamas easier for pilots. Currently, there are fifteen ports of entry that offer to the pilot community complimentary telephones with a direct connection to the United States thanks to a new partnership with the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (Batelco).

Pilots now have the benefit to close their flight plan after landing in The Bahamas. Telephone communication to the United States from all ports of entry will be available. Before heading home ward bound pilots can obtain a weather briefing by calling 800-WX BRIEF, or calling the local flight service. Pilots can file an International Flight Plan and notify US customs, which is required one hour prior to departure back to the United States.

The first of these phones was available in Bimini, one of the closest destinations in The Out Islands for private planes, and all ports of entry are expected to be equipped within the next few months. Plans are also being made to have cell phone service available throughout The Bahamas as well as AT&T and MCI calling card service, making it more convenient for pilots to get customs clearance.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism continues to spread the word that with multiple airports of entry as close as 46 nautical miles from the East Coast of Florida, The Islands Of The Bahamas, particularly the Out Islands, are a perfect destination for tourists and U.S. pilots with a taste for adventure. For more information on The Islands Of The Bahamas, please visit www.bahamas.com or www.flying.bahamas.com or call 800-32-SPORT.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Anita Johnson-Patty
Bahamas Tourist Office
ajohnson@bahamas.com
(954) 236-9292