Overall Marketing Award, Americas
Routes Americas
Nassau, The Bahamas
Lynden Pindling International Airport | NAS
The Bahamian government selected Vantage Group to lead an ambitious, three phase-terminal development of Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA). The largest capital infrastructure project in Bahamian history was completed on time and on budget.
Today, 20 years later, Vantage continues to manage the airport and its critical role as a tourism gateway and workplace of choice.
Transforming Nassau and Pioneering Excellence
As the main international gateway to The Bahamas, LPIA is the fourth busiest airport in the Caribbean.
The $410 million, three-phase airport redevelopment and construction project expanded LPIA’s terminal footprint to 585,000 square feet and increased the airport’s traffic potential to five million annual passengers.
Gateway to Tourism
In 2007, The Government of The Bahamas initiated a monumental transformation of Lynden Pindling International Airport, marking the largest public-private infrastructure project in the nation’s history.
Challenge
The original airport facilities neither met growing operational requirements nor reflected the spectacular tourism destination it served. Spurred by visitor and community demand for a comprehensive redevelopment, the Bahamian government selected Vantage to spearhead the ambitious transformation.
Solution
Vantage’s solution aimed to enhance the airport’s physical infrastructure and significantly improve the guest experience. Throughout construction, we also maintained existing airport operations with minimal disruption.
Results
The transformation of LPIA concluded six months ahead of schedule and 10% below budget in 2013. In its first year of operation, the new airport earned multiple awards for project financing, design, and customer experience. Vantage’s initial 10-year management services agreement has since been extended by 12 years, a testament to our strong partnership and shared success.
Deep Roots in the Local Community
LPIA is an anchor institution, the pride of Nassau, and a workplace of choice.
100%
Staff from Nassau’s local communities
75%
Percentage of original employees who recently celebrated 15 years with the airport
22
Years in Vantage’s initial long-term management contract, since extended by 12 years
$140M
Investment in the airport’s transformation
I am the result of building local teams because I was actually the first local person to join the Vantage team at Lynden Pindling International Airport. Fifteen years later, working for the Nassau Airport Development Company, is a source of pride. We are an employer of choice in the country, and it has been very gratifying for to see that all these years later, people are still very proud of the airport and would love to have the opportunity to work here.
CEO, Nassau Airport Development Company
Redefining the Guest Experience
Vantage introduced a curated selection of premium shops, dining options, and relaxation amenities at the new LPIA. Along with high standards for customer service and in-terminal promotions and activities, the airport’s guest experience has earned many Airport Service Quality awards.
Transforming the commercial experience
The airport features the best in the region’s iconic cuisine, hospitality, and art, driving non-aeronautical growth of more than 90% in the first decade of Vantage™ management.
Local delicacies
From international duty free and pay-per-visit lounges to favorite global brands like Starbucks and Dunkin’, complemented by specialty Bahamian jewelry, gifts, and rum, the program offers visitors a range of choice.
New technologies
Essential to the visitor experience to The Bahamas is LPIA’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance facilities, now made more efficient with Mobile Passport Control and TSA PreCheck services.
Bahamian sense of place™
The airport’s vast collection of art by local artists underpins a truly Bahamian sense of place™ throughout the terminals.
A Bahamian Sense of Place™
From the moment passengers step off the plane and into LPIA’s terminals, they know that they are in The Bahamas. Architectural design elements, such as the airport’s undulating roof line that is reminiscent of an ocean wave, and a $2 million investment in 13 custom artworks bring the destination vividly into the airport.
From wall-spanning murals and larger-than-life statues to breathtaking water features, LPIA offers visitors a spectacular introduction to the culture and artistry of The Bahamas.
Guiding People on the Spectrum Through Their Airport Journey
Showing Up Big for People with Hidden Disabilities
In 2022, the NAS team implemented the Sunflower Lanyard program to help passengers with hidden disabilities. In 2023, they expanded their efforts by partnering with the Garvin Tynes School Autism Unit to launch the “I Can Fly” program.
This program allowed 30 children on the autism spectrum and their families to experience the air travel process without the stress of a real trip. One participant, Guerda, found the program valuable for her child with autism. The program helps children, and their families, prepare for air travel and educates airport staff. Additionally, NAS created an illustrated digital storybook to guide children through the air travel experience in an engaging way.
An Award-Winning Welcome to Beautiful Bahamas
Level 1 Mapping Certification
Airport’s Council International: Airport Carbon Accreditation (2023)
2025 Routes Americas Conference
Vantage Group is thrilled to announce that Nassau Paradise Island will host the 2025 Routes Americas conference in partnership with Nassau Airport Development Co. and The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation.
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