Spirit Flies the Bahamas
Spirit Airlines broke new …air space last week, making a graceful first landing into its latest market at Nassau International Airport in the Bahamas. Spirit introduced its new service from Fort Lauderdale with a flashy bit of pomp and circumstance, and passengers on the 32-minute flight were given complimentary digital cameras to capture the fun. A native Junkanoo Band in colorful costumes greeted the plane on the tarmac, and a Bahamian Gospel choir raised the spirits of all on hand, singing, “Every time I feel the Spirit, I know that I am on my way!”
Spirit, founded in 1990, is the low-cost leader in budget airfares and the largest privately-held airline in the U.S. Based in Fort Lauderdale, the airline serves 18 cities, and plans are underway to increase its presence in the Caribbean and Latin American markets. While the independent star is rising, traditional airline companies are showing signs of stress, some slashing fares in an effort to compete and others filing bankruptcy in surrender to the post 9/11 climate combined with the surge in budget airfare options.
In addition to its new $44 introductory fares to the Bahamas, Spirit also announced appointment of a new President, Ben Baldanza, a former U.S. Air executive.
Paradise Island, home of Nassau Harbor and airport, has long been a popular tourist destination. Home to hotels owned in turn by Donald Trump, Merv Griffin and now the incredible Atlantis Resort, the other-worldly creation of South African developer Sol Kerzner, the island provides a full-range of entertainment options. With more than 2,300 rooms, 35 restaurants, the largest outdoor aquarium in the world and the Bahama’s largest casino, protected lagoon beaches and a lengthy natural shoreline, Atlantis ensures fun of all types for visitors to Nassau.
-Posted by Trish Riley, U.S. journalist and travel author.
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