BermudAir abandons business-class-only model, opting to include economy cabins in its fleet
Startup airline BermudAir has abandoned its plan to operate as a business-class-only airline, a move that comes just over a month after the carrier began operations. The carrier announced this week that it now plans to offer economy seating on all of its flights due to high demand.
BermudAir described the move as a "strategic shift" that would better allow it to respond to consumer demand and "evolving market dynamics."
"After nearly 170 successful flights, it's clear that there is strong demand for direct, short-haul and premium flights between Bermuda and the East Coast," Adam Scott, BermudAir's CEO and founder, said in a statement. "We've had overwhelmingly positive feedback from our guests about their experience onboard BermudAir, but guests also desire more options and flexibility. BermudAir is uniquely positioned to fill that need with our dual-class cabin."
BermudAir made its debut on Aug. 31, marketing itself as a business-class-only carrier with flights operating from New York's Westchester County Airport (HPN), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Bermuda's L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA).
The startup carrier leased a fleet of 88-seat Embraer E175s with a 2-2 configuration, initially only selling half of the cabin. This allowed passengers to have both the aisle and window seats.
BermudAir originally intended to reconfigure the cabins of the fleet to full business-class ones by Nov. 1. Now, BermudAir said passengers can expect to see the newly announced changes within the fleet at the beginning of the fourth quarter.
Scott founded the startup with the intention of boosting business and leisure travel between the U.S. and the British island territory.
"Bermuda has the best parts of Canada, the U.S., and the U.K.," Scott said to TPG in August. "It's just a happy place for me."
Related reading:
- Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a beginner or an expert traveler
- The best travel credit cards
- The 18 best places to travel in 2023
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
- 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 2X miles | Earn 2X miles per $1 on every purchase, everywhere |
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel |
Pros
- Simple earning structure
- Bonus categories
- Annual credits
- No foreign transaction fees
- Flexible redemption options, including transfer partners
Cons
- Has an annual fee
- Fewer bonus categories than some competitors
- Lacks premium perks
- Limited-time offer: Earn up to 150,000 bonus miles—75,000 miles once you spend $7,500 in the first 3 months, and an additional 75,000 miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 6 months
- Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won't expire for the life of the account
- Receive up to $220 in credits: Receive an annual $50 travel credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel, up to an annual $50 statement credit for purchases at qualifying advertising or software merchants, plus up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® every four years. Terms and conditions apply
- Unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel
- Transfer your miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Redeem your miles instantly for any travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services
- $95 annual fee
- Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 2X miles from their purchases
- Top rated mobile app