Pics: Pink Carpet & Gombeys Greet Westjet Flight

The Gombeys, a pink carpet and a Canadian executive in bright yellow Bermuda shorts marked the arrival of the inaugural WestJet flight between Toronto and Bermuda. Getting into the spirit of the event, Westjet executive John MacLeod exited the plane in bright yellow Bermuda shorts, later explaining he caused quite a stir in Toronto wearing them.

In a uniquely Bermudian twist, a pink carpet was rolled out for the arriving passengers:
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Westjet is 14 years old, has 89 aircraft and flies to 10 countries and had the youngest fleet of any airline in North America. The Canadian airline will fly once daily between Toronto and Bermuda until October 30, 2010.

The Gombeys, a Bermudian staple, entertained the guests:
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The photo below shows [L to R] Director of Tourism William Griffiths, Fairmont Director Norman Mastalir, Director of Airport Operations Aaron Adderly, Westjet’s John MacLeod, Premier Dr Brown and Senator Marc Bean:
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Premier Dr Brown spoke, saying it was the first time in almost 70 years Bermuda had a new airline serving us from Canada. He explained that he met with Westjet for first time in Calgary five years ago. Saying that he believes that competition between airlines makes prices more competitive, the Premier explained that Bermuda’s experience with Canadian visitors is that the number of visitors from Canada is directly influence by the cost. In the last year approximately 12,000 Canadians booked to come through the USA as it was cheaper by the cost of the price in getting to Bermuda. Dr. Brown said it was a “Promise made, and promise delivered.’
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Director of Tourism William Griffith described the new service from Westjet a “game changer” and attributed it to “relentless tenacity of Premier Dr Ewart Brown”

John MacLeod , VP of Westjet of Revenue Management and Planning, flew down from Canada sporting yellow Bermuda shorts which had been provided to him by English Sports shop. He said that he, and his yellow shorts, created quite a scene at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto, and that everyone knew he was going to Bermuda. Premier Dr Brown presented Mr. MacLeod with a plaque of Bermuda’s crest:
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Mr. MacLeod said he anticipates a unique passenger load of business persons, tourists, students, and Bermudians taking advantage of the low fares. Westjet’s fares start from under $100 each way.

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