Aviation History
Bahamian aviation dates to 1919, when Chalk's Ocean Airways began seaplane service from Miami to Bimini, one of the world's earliest scheduled airlines. Bahamas Airways operated as the territory's main carrier from the 1930s to 1970, after which the government founded state-owned Bahamasair in 1973 to serve as the newly independent nation's flag carrier, absorbing Out Island Airways' routes.
Arthur 'Pappy' Chalk starts scheduled seaplane flights from Miami to Bimini, among the earliest airline operations in the world.
Financed by Harry Oakes, Oakes Field near Nassau becomes the Bahamas' first purpose-built airport.
The newly independent Bahamian government establishes Bahamasair as national flag carrier, taking majority control of Out Island Airways' routes.
Bahamasair transitions from jets to De Havilland Dash 8 turboprops for its regional network.
Jet service resumes on Bahamasair's main routes with Boeing 737 aircraft.
Bahamasair takes delivery of its first ATR 72-600 as part of a continued fleet modernization program.
Bahamasair · Bahamas Airways (historical) · Chalk's Ocean Airways (historical)
Wikipedia, Nassau Institute, Bahamas Department of Aviation