New Flagship Airline for Bermuda Marks Major Milestone Towards Launch
Hamilton, 26th July 2023 – 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 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.