Before Aztec Airways began connecting travelers to the Bahamian Out Islands, our story took off with a very different kind of journey — one that carried four prairie dogs to a new beginning.
In 2001, founder Captain Stuart Hanley received a call from the Wildlife Care Center in Fort Lauderdale. They needed someone to transport a group of rescued prairie dogs to an animal sanctuary in Texas. Without hesitation, Stuart volunteered — loading up his twin-engine Piper Aztec and charting a course west.
That 13-hour round trip became Aztec Airways’ very first flight. It wasn’t about profit or passengers; it was about purpose — connecting lives and doing good through aviation. The trip symbolized what would become the foundation of Aztec Airways: care, reliability, and a genuine love of connecting people (and sometimes animals) across distances.
More than two decades later, our flights may look a little different — sleek aircraft, daily routes to the Bahamas, and hundreds of happy passengers each week — but our spirit hasn’t changed. From prairie dogs to “pawsengers,” we’re proud to carry everyone who’s part of the journey.
Today, Aztec Airways proudly continues that legacy of compassion—partnering with rescue organizations and welcoming pets of all kinds aboard our flights.
From dogs heading to their island homes to rescued animals finding safe passage, we’re committed to providing comfortable, reliable travel for every passenger—two- or four-legged—across the Bahamas and beyond.
For more information on pet transportation email us at reservations@aztecairways.com. If you are an organization in need of pet friendly travel please email celeste@aztecairways.com.