Chalk Airlines to Resume Flights to Bahamas

Jason · November 2, 2006

Caribbean360 News

Chalk International Airlines is set to resume flights to the Bahamas early next month, almost a year after one of its seaplanes crashed and killed 20 people off Miami Beach on Dec. 19, 2005.

Airline officials have received U.S. government approval to resume flying on Nov. 9 from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini and Nassau.

Passengers will be flown in on aircrafts leased from Big Sky Airlines of Billings of Montana. Company officials also say they hope to increase flights from other destinations in the Bahamas.

The announcement of the resumption of flights by Chalk comes even though the National Transportation Safety Board has not yet released its final report on the crash and as investigations continue into determining whether or not Chalks' Grumman G-73T Turbo Mallard had received adequate inspections and maintenance.

Meanwhile, for its November service resumption, carrier officials are offering a special rate of $170 to $199 per round trip for U.S. nationals traveling to the Island. This includes taxes.

elfed · November 4, 2006

As an Aircraft Technician for over 37 years, my advice folks is to stick to the major airlines such as United, Delta and American whenever possible. I've never heard of Chalk Airlines. This is not to say they are not a bad airline but for some lesser known airlines maintenance has the lowest priority in their operation along with staff training. Think twice before choosing your airline.

Regards,

James.

jtutak · November 4, 2006

James

Thats because you are not from S FL

"Chalk's Ocean Airways is the world's oldest continuously operating airline. Chalks began initial operations in 1917 as an ad hoc charter operator but regular service commenced in February of 1919 from Downtown Miami (Watson Island) to Bimini (Alicetown, Bahamas)."

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/airline_liveries/110594

You should do your Homework United, Delta and American do not fly to Binimi

elfed · November 5, 2006

Hi jtutak,

Thank you for your reply. I agree most if not all the major airlines do not fly to Bimini-they do fly to Nassau though. However the smaller less well known airlines have been pulled up both here and in the U.S. for maintenance violations. That is my concern.

Regards,

James.