‘BermudAir’ Airline Receives Approval
BermudAir — which plans to operate “short, convenient all-business class flights between Bermuda and the US East Coast” — has received approval from the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority [BCAA] and has been granted its Air Operating Certificate [AOC] and “service is planned to begin later this summer, subject to the pending US regulatory approval.”
A spokesperson said, “Bermuda is now one step closer to having its first flagship airline. BermudAir, a new airline that will be based in Bermuda, confirmed today that it has received approval from the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority [BCAA] and has been granted its Air Operating Certificate [AOC].
“The AOC certifies that a commercial airline with its principal place of business in Bermuda is competent to safely operate its aircraft in accordance with Bermuda’s prescribed regulations and standards. The BCAA only grants an AOC if it is satisfied an airline meets standards across an array of operational elements, from safety management to equipment and maintenance, previous experience to organisation and staffing.”
“We’re grateful that BermudAir’s work to set up a world class airline in Bermuda has been validated via the rigorous AOC assessment process,” said Adam Scott, CEO of BermudAir. “This is a major milestone for our team towards fully launching the airline and being able to serve this market. Both the BCAA and BermudAir teams have put in a lot of hours to get here, and we appreciate everyone’s commitment throughout the process.”
Minister Wayne Furbert stated, “As a government, we take immense pride in witnessing a significant milestone for Bermuda, the impending launch of the first-ever locally established Bermuda-based airline – BermudAir. This marks a pivotal step forward for expanding our island’s aviation sector and symbolizes the potential for growth, progress, and self-sufficiency within our borders. I extend our congratulations to the BermudAir Team for their vision and tenacity. I wish them much success as they launch the airline.”
The spokesperson said, “The airline’s application for approval from the US Department of Transportation is now the next step towards launch and being able to fly between Bermuda and the US East Coast. The airline plans to provide frequent, year-round flights that will support Bermuda’s position as an international business hub and tourism destination. Service is planned to begin later this summer, subject to the pending US regulatory approval.
“BermudAir marked the AOC approval milestone today by unveiling its on-site office location at L.F. Wade International Airport. Minister Furbert participated in the unveiling ceremony. Other dignitaries in attendance were Thomas Dunstan, Director General, BCAA, Tariq Lynch-Wade, Director of Operations, BCAA, Aaron Adderley and Ken Hassard, President and Commercial Director respectively of Skyport Ltd., which manages the airport, and Erin Smith, COO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority. The office will serve as a customer service hub for passengers and operational base for the airline’s crew, once service officially begins.”
Adam Scott’s remarks:
Minister Furbert; representatives from the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority, the Bermuda Tourism Authority, and Skyport; ladies and gentlemen of the media, good morning and thank you for joining us today.
This is a significant moment in BermudAir’s development. From a concept that was conceived around two years ago – the idea to set up a world class airline in Bermuda – to being granted our Aircraft Operating Certificate [or AOC] has been a journey of hard work and dedication. And I say that not just in relation to our team at BermudAir, but also about the teams within relevant authorities in Bermuda. We certainly appreciate the commitment of everyone who has been involved throughout this process, which is why we want to ensure that we mark this significant milestone towards our launch.
The journey to being granted our AOC was rigorous, and rightly so. We understand that the prospect of a totally new airline for Bermuda is a proposition that requires detailed assessment in the overall interests of the island. Our motivation in establishing this airline is aligned with that objective: we want to both serve and represent this beautiful island paradise.
Once we launch, BermudAir will be Bermuda’s premier boutique airline, committed to redefining the travel experience. We plan to operate short, convenient all-business class flights between Bermuda and the US East Coast, to support the island’s position as a tourism destination and international business hub. In examining this unique market we see the opportunity to provide premier service and deliver additional business and premium leisure travellers to Bermuda. We’re dedicated to providing exceptional service, and will provide curated onboard offerings that will showcase the flavours of Bermuda while reflecting the island’s renowned hospitality. As we’ve prepared towards launch, we’ve been establishing partnerships with Bermuda businesses to source products and services locally as much as possible. We’re also hiring locally and internationally. We’re ensuring we have people who are qualified to meet the requirements of an airline team, and also aligned with our philosophy to put Bermuda at the centre of everything we do.
This may sound personal, and it is. Bermuda is a special place and I have been privileged to develop many links here for almost 10 years, personally and professionally. Receiving positive feedback from our colleagues in the tourism and international business sectors about the prospect of BermudAir has been very gratifying. We’re honoured that others share our vision and, once launched, we will strive to live up to it every day.
Also on launch, we will open our Customer Service Office on-site here at L.F. Wade International Airport, which we will unveil today. The office will serve as a customer service hub for passengers, and an operational base for BermudAir’s crew.
On behalf of BermudAir, I’d like to thank the Skyport team for accommodating us and, along with the organisations represented here today, being so supportive.
Our application for approval from the US Department of Transportation is now the next step towards launch. Having our AOC, which certifies that BermudAir is competent to safely operate our aircraft in accordance with Bermuda’s prescribed regulations and standards, is key to that next evaluation. We gratefully acknowledge all the hard work to get us here, and look forward to serving Bermuda soon.
Minister of Transport Wayne Furbert’s remarks:
Good morning:
Today, we gather here with immense excitement as we approach a significant milestone for Bermuda, the impending launch of the first-ever locally established Bermuda-based airline – BermudAir.
I am delighted to announce that BermudAir has received full authorization from the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority [BCAA] and has been granted its Air Operating Certificate [AOC]. This achievement is a testament to the airline’s unwavering commitment to upholding the highest safety standards and complying with regulatory requirements. As a government, we take immense pride in witnessing the fulfilment of all necessary protocols and certifications, paving the way for BermudAir to soar into the skies with confidence and pride.
This marks a pivotal step forward for expanding our island’s aviation sector and symbolizes the potential for growth, progress, and self-sufficiency within our borders.
The introduction of BermudAir will undoubtedly significantly contribute to developing air services in Bermuda. As a Bermuda-based airline, BermudAir will enhance connectivity, bolster economic growth, and promote travel to our beautiful island.
Moreover, BermudAir operations will generate numerous direct and indirect employment opportunities, ranging from pilots, flight attendants, ground staff to administrative, maintenance, and customer service roles. This will also fuel demand for ancillary services such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation, providing essential support to local businesses.
As we come together today, we stand at the threshold of a new era in Bermuda’s aviation history. The forthcoming launch of BermudAir represents a resounding triumph for Bermuda, signifying to the world that we possess the capacity and capability to excel in diverse industries.
To the Executives of BermudAir, I congratulate you for having the vision for this airline and commend you for persevering. Congratulations on this momentous occasion and may BermudAir continue to represent Bermuda with unwavering pride and distinction. And I eagerly anticipate the exhilarating inaugural flight in the very near future.
Thank You.
No comments about this story yet….. I wonder why….
Tough business but trust this will a professional operation which makes Bermudian proud.
Don’t think I will ever use it but then it’s not designed for me!
Is anyone paying attention to the shift in the PLP? Kowtowing to expat billionaires to buy up Tuckers Town and other prime spots, despite the outcry in the OBA years about how that land was stolen, and the money thrown at the poor, through Financial Assistance and Minimum Wage? Rich and poor, but nothing in between except tax the ** out of them. Bermuda is a very rocky place, and a wobble could spell disaster. Playbook 101 of how the PLP elite have become very rich by deceiving their voter base.
I like the concept. But putting former UBP Minister of Transport Wayne Furbert out front is a bit off-putting for me