Makers Air Launches Twice-Weekly Nonstop Flights to Long Island From Fort Lauderdale
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (15 Dec. 2023) – The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA) joins industry partners in celebrating the introduction of twice-weekly nonstop flights to Long Island with Makers Air. Beginning 14 December 2023, service will operate using Cessna Grand Caravans (9-seater) between Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) and Stella Maris Airport (SML), every Thursday and Sunday.
The flights are scheduled to depart FXE at 1:00 PM for SML and will depart SML at 3:30 PM for FXE. With the terminal being just 13 miles from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), guests can also take advantage of convenient same-day connections.
Deputy Director General Dr Kenneth Romer hailed the flight as a testament of The Bahamas’ strong partnership with industry leaders and a reflection of the collective commitment to creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs and stakeholders.
“Supporting additional airlift along with advancing plans for the construction of a new airport in Deadman’s Cay, are part of The Government’s Family Islands Renaissance Project,” Romer said. “Our main priority as an organization is to continue to grow air stop over arrivals and engage with new source markets. We are grateful for our partnership with Makers Air and their dedication to providing easy, reliable, and convenient flights to the Islands of The Bahamas.”
Kerry Fountain, Executive Director, Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board said, “Today marks the beginning of a thrilling journey as we inaugurate new airline service with Makers Air from Fort Lauderdale’s Executive Airport to Stella Maris, Long Island, Bahamas.
“We are fully committed to making it easier to get to all of our Family of Out Islands, especially from South Florida with partners like Makers Air that offer customer convenience, safety, innovation, and impeccable service, and we look forward to soaring to new heights together.”
David Hocher, Owner and President, Makers Air added, “As we embark on this exciting journey to Stella Maris, Long Island, we are thrilled to bring a direct connection from Florida to this hidden gem in The Bahamas. Long Island has so much to offer, and with this new route, we hope to provide a much-needed travel option to both vacationers and residents.”
Guests can explore Long Island’s breathtaking cliffs and ecological wonders, including Dean’s Blue Hole, Hamilton’s Cave and Cape Santa Maria Beach, which has been hailed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Not to be missed are the thriving coral reefs, pristine flats and serene beaches that make Long Island a haven for fishing, diving, and boating. For places to stay, the island offers a myriad of bungalows, chic villas, quaint Bahamian vacation rentals and branded 4-star boutique hotels.
Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort General Manager Greg Vogt said, “We are delighted to welcome Makers Air to Long Island, a testament to our destination's allure. With this direct service, accessing the beauty and charm of Long Island has never been more convenient. Your journey awaits, effortlessly bridging Fort Lauderdale to the enchanting landscape and unparalleled white sand beaches.”
The new route adds to Makers Air already extensive selection of daily flights to Out Islands of The Bahamas. This includes flights from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) to Cat Island (TBI); Staniel Cay (Exuma); Chub Cay (Berry Islands); Great Harbour Cay (Berry Islands); San Andros; Fresh Creek (Andros); Congo Town (Andros); North Eleuthera (ELH); and Rock Sound (Eleuthera). For booking information, visit www.makersair.com. To plan your next Out Island trip, visit www.myoutislands.com.
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About The Bahamas
The Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays, as well as 16 unique island destinations. Located only 50 miles off the coast of South Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for travellers to escape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating, and thousands of miles of the earth's most spectacular beaches for families, couples, and adventurers to explore. See why It's Better in The Bahamas at Bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram.
About The Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board:
The BOIPB is principally responsible for the promotion of the Out Islands as primary tourism destinations and conducts marketing initiatives on behalf of its private sector hotel members. These laid-back islands are perfect for a relaxing Bahamas vacation, a dream island wedding or honeymoon, or a thrilling fishing expedition, dive trip, or eco-adventure – and there’s one that’s perfect for you. Additional information about where to stay and incredible value-added packages may be found at www.myoutislands.com.
Media Contact:
Anita Johnson-Patty
Director, Global Communications
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation
Contact:
Kerry Fountain
Executive Director
Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board