Latest News


Monday, 18 May, 2020

NATA Applauds Pick for Ambassador to The Bahamas

Washington, DC, May 18, 2020 – The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) welcomes the announcement of the Administration’s intent to nominate William A. Douglass as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

Douglass, a Florida resident, has direct ties to The Bahamas over more than three generations and has grown up in aviation. He is the grandson of Juan Trippe, the founder of Pan American World Airways.

“Mr. William A. Douglass is an excellent candidate for Ambassador to the Bahamas. He is a steadfast proponent of business aviation and knowledgeable of its vast benefits in promoting tourism, fulfilling critical services, and aiding in emergency response efforts,” stated NATA President and CEO Timothy Obitts. “I have known Mr. Douglass for nearly two decades as a friend. When approved by the Senate, NATA looks forward to working with Mr. Douglass to further strengthen the connections between the U.S. and the Bahamas, particularly in supporting the essential services provided by NATA’s aviation business members both in the United States and in the Bahamas. NATA worked with Mr. Douglass during the relief efforts of Hurricane Dorian, wherein many aviation businesses in the United States volunteered and provided instrumental relief, life savings missions, and support to the people of the Bahamas.”

Douglass is an entrepreneur and philanthropist, who co-founded the investment firm K2 Advisors in 1994, now part of Franklin Templeton Advisors. He was instrumental in evacuation missions following Hurricane Dorian and assisting in efforts to rebuild The Bahamas in the aftermath of the disaster. He has done philanthropic work for the people of the Bahamas for many years, including relief for schools.

For general press inquiries, contact Shannon Chambers at 703-298-1347 or schambers@nata.aero

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has been the voice of aviation business for more than 80 years. Representing nearly 3,700 aviation businesses, NATA’s member companies provide a broad range of services to general aviation, the airlines and the military and NATA serves as the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before Congress and the federal agencies.