BermudAir, a startup airline, is expanding its operations by adding two new destinations in the United States. The airline recently announced that it will be offering flights between Bermuda and Baltimore and Orlando starting in March.
Beginning March 18, BermudAir will serve both Baltimore and Orlando three times per week. Flights from Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) will commence on this date, while flights from Orlando International Airport (MCO) will begin a week later on March 26.
The airline operates two Embraer E175 jets with a seating capacity of 66, including 14 business class and 52 economy class seats. To attract customers, BermudAir is offering introductory fares starting at $99 one-way to Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA), and $199 one-way from BDA. Tickets for these flights are already on sale.
With the addition of Baltimore and Orlando, BermudAir will now serve Bermuda from a total of five destinations, all of which are located in the United States. These destinations include Baltimore, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Westchester County, which is located north of New York City.
The decision to add BWI and MCO to its route network was based on the airline’s strategy to expand its presence in the Northeast Corridor and increase connectivity to Florida. Adam Scott, the CEO and founder of BermudAir, stated that these new destinations are crucial for the airline’s growth.
BermudAir began its operations in August with flights to Boston Logan International Airport and Westchester County Airport. Flights to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport were introduced a month later. Initially, the airline planned to operate an all-business class model, with only 44 seats available on its E175 jets. However, in October, it decided to reconfigure the aircraft to accommodate a mixed business and economy class layout in response to customer feedback and demand.
Scott mentioned that the switch to a dual-class configuration has received a strong and positive response from travelers. However, the airline still plans to introduce its “Aisle Class” business-class product, where each premium seat functions as both an aisle and a window. Due to supply chain delays, the launch of this product has been pushed back to next year.
Despite the challenges faced by the airline industry during the pandemic, BermudAir has seen progress in its operations and is satisfied with the overall performance on its existing routes. The pandemic has created opportunities for new airlines to enter the market, as the barriers to entry have been lowered. Aircraft, staff, and other resources were more readily available and affordable during the early stages of the crisis.
According to airline data provider Cirium, BermudAir does not face any competition on its new routes to BWI and MCO. However, it is worth noting that American Airlines operates flights between Washington Reagan National and Bermuda during the summer season.
In conclusion, BermudAir’s expansion to Baltimore and Orlando demonstrates its commitment to growth and providing more travel options for passengers. With its competitive fares and a mix of business and economy class seating, the airline aims to attract customers seeking affordable and comfortable travel to Bermuda. As the industry recovers from the pandemic, the success of startups like BermudAir signifies a positive outlook for the future of air travel.