Startup BermudAir unveils 2 new routes, adding Baltimore and Orlando
Startup BermudAir is adding two new U.S. dots to its map. The airline has unveiled new flights between its namesake island and Baltimore and Orlando starting in March.
BermudAir will serve both cities three-times per week with flights from Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) beginning March 18. Flights from Orlando International Airport (MCO) begin a week later on March 26.
The carrier flies two Embraer E175 jets with 66 seats, including 14 business and 52 economy seats. Introductory fares start at $99 one-way to Bermuda's L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA), and $199 one-way from BDA with tickets already on sale.
With the additions, BermudAir will serve Bermuda from five destinations, all in the U.S. They include Baltimore, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Westchester County (north of New York City).
BWI and MCO complement BermudAir's existing destinations by adding another key gateway in the "crucial" Northeast Corridor and increasing connectivity to Florida, airline CEO and founder Adam Scott told TPG.
The startup began flying in August to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Westchester County Airport (HPN). Flights at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) took off a month later.
BermudAir initially touted an all-business class model where it initially planned to sell just 44 of the 88 seats on its E175 jets before reconfiguring them to a bespoke 30-seat all-business layout. It abandoned that plan in October in favor of a mixed business and economy class layout.
When asked about the switch to a dual-class configuration, Scott said it was in "direct response to customer feedback and demand." BermudAir has seen a "strong and positive response" to the product switch from travelers, he added.
BermudAir still plans to introduce its "Aisle Class" business-class product, where each premium seat is both an aisle and a window. However, supply chain delays have pushed the timeline for that product back to next year from November, Scott said.
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"We are encouraged by our progress five months into operations and are satisfied with the overall performance on our existing routes," he said.
BermudAir is one of multiple startup airlines that have hit U.S. skies since the pandemic. Avelo Airlines and Breeze Airways are new domestic entrants; startups Norse Atlantic Airways and Play Airlines connect the U.S. and Europe; and Jetlines Canada and Lynx Air connect the U.S. with Canada.
The pandemic created an opening for new airlines by lowering the barriers to entry. Aircraft, staff, and other resources were easier — and cheaper — to secure early in the crisis before air travel demand surged back.
BermudAir has no competition on its new routes to BWI and MCO, airline data provider Cirium shows. However, American Airlines does fly between Washington Reagan National (DCA) and BDA during the summer.
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