NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC) – The managing director of Bahamasair, Tracy Cooper, says a shortage of aircraft should come to an end by the end of this week.

Late Monday, Cooper confirmed that three aircraft owned by the national carrier were grounded and this has caused severe passenger delays.

The planes were grounded due to mechanical issues, this includes one that remains stranded in West Palm Beach in the United States after a blown tyre damaged its landing gear cover and other components.

Cooper also said that two aircraft were grounded since August due to delays from the airline’s Canadian engine manufacturer, which has faced supply chain issues affecting pre-airwork on Bahamasair’s five-plane ATR fleet.

However the managing director expressed optimism, saying the affected ATR in West Palm Beach has been repaired and could be released very shortly.

He also sought to assure Bahamians that Bahamasair will not be significantly affected by the loss of the three aircraft and that the grounded ATRs are mainly used for domestic inter-island routes, so the airline’s international operations will remain unaffected.