Minister & Delta Discuss ‘Potential Expansion’
Minister of Transport Wayne Furbert recently visited Delta Air Lines’ Headquarters in Atlanta to “discuss potential expansion of service to Bermuda and attracting more visitors from Atlanta and other onward destinations.”
A Government spokesperson said, “Delta Air Lines has been the longest continually running US air carrier in Bermuda since its inaugural service to and from the island in 1972.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the Government, Minister Furbert said, “The discussion with Delta executives proved to be fruitful and validated the mutual understanding between the two parties regarding air service for Bermuda. We look forward to exploring further opportunities and strengthening our partnership to promote Bermuda as a premier travel destination. I sincerely thank Delta Air Lines for its commitment to remaining in the Bermuda market.”
A spokesperson said, “During the meeting, the Minister and Delta executives explored various aspects of the Bermuda travel industry, focusing on visitor accommodations. The Minister highlighted that the hospitality industry will increase its beds between 2024 and 2025, with Fairmont Southampton Hotel being the largest, with approximately 600 beds. Additionally, it was noted that about 40% of round-trip travel to Bermuda consists of locals travelling outbound, presenting an opportunity to build on the local market.
“Attending the meeting with Minister Furbert were Mark Guishard, Chief Administrative Officer of the Bermuda Airport Authority [BAA], Brad DiFiore, Ailevon Pacific Aviation Consulting [Air Service Development consultants to the BAA].”
We need another Boston flight. Work on that Flip Flop
The entire meeting could have been done via video call saving taxpayers thousands of dollars.
Oh, look! Consultants! How much did it cost taxpayers in consulting fees to attend the meeting? At least Brad DiFiore, Managing Director, is from the Atlanta office. He used to work for Delta, a plus. “Brad had over thirteen years of experience at Delta Air Lines, with an extensive background in Network Planning and Scheduling. In his last role at Delta, Brad was responsible for developing and maintaining relationships between the carrier and airports/communities worldwide..” Good qualifications.
The obvious question: Why does Dr. Mark Guishard (Ph.D. in Meteorology), Chief Administrative Officer of the Bermuda Airport Authority, require the services of a consultant? Oh, my bad! No airport, no travel, no airline, and no tourism experience. My apologies, Mark. I know you are a good guy. Wait, how did you get that job? Serious question.
The only flights added to the schedule this month are from SATA and are flights organized by someone outside of government, I believe a travel agency. Maybe we need to hire them to increase air traffic.
they could have a Karaoke meeting and sing ” fly me to the moon”
Only if Mr. F received frequent flyer miles and a First Class seat.
Reinstating the BOS to BDA flight should be a top priority. BOS is a hub for all of New England. Reaching folks not only in MA but in NH, VT, RI, CT and ME. Having another carrier out of Boston will promote competition against the only other carrier to BDA from BOS, JetBlue.