A few months since its launch, Airport Maintenance Services Ltd (AMSL) has signed its first contract with Resorts World Bimini and The Genting Group to upgrade the Southern Bimini airport.

These upgrades will bring Bimini’s southern airport to international standards in order to commence and accommodate night flights and ultimately improving the island’s tourism industry, as well as providing employment for Bahamians, and will cost around $400,000.

Managing director of Airport Maintenance Services Allen Albury said at the signing last week: “Today ushers in a new day for scores of young Bahamians. Airport Maintenance Services is about opening up new opportunities and possibilities for young Bahamians. Times have changed and the nature of business must be about new innovative and creative strategies for job creation.”

“In just a few short weeks we will begin to send twenty young Bahamians to train alongside with our partner Hi-Lite Global, at airports around the world,” he added.

After the upgrades, the Southern Bimini aerodrome will be amongst the first of newly upgraded Family Island airports in The Bahamas that will meet FAA and ICAO regulatory standards and compliance. Additionally, it will be the third airport in The Bahamas that will be able to accommodate night flights.

President of AMSL Atario Mitchell said: “The contract symbolically builds along the premise of empowerment and advancing our economy and building our country.”

Dana Leibovitz, president of Resorts World said: “We are happy to sign the contract with Airport Maintenance Services and we are pleased that they understand the importance of hiring Biminites that can sustain the airport, and we share the same commitment. Resorts World will provide Bimini a Bahamian style hotel, which will offer more than 350 rooms and 25 villa suites. The hotel will provide 100 construction jobs for Bahamians and additional 350 permanent jobs for Bahamians and associates. After the expansion, the total employee count will be a total of 800 persons.”