The Hon. Wayne Furbert, JP, MP, Minister of Transport, recently met with senior British Airways officials in London to discuss partnerships and strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the longstanding air connection between Bermuda and London. Joining the Minister in the meetings were Lester Nelson, CEO of the Bermuda Airport Authority (BAA), and Aaron Adderley, President of Skyport. The British Airways’ team was led by James Yardley, VP International Airlines Group (BA’s parent) who was joined by his colleagues from network planning, operations, catering and security.
Minister Furbert said, “The discussions included the performance BA’s London Heathrow to Bermuda connection, which commenced in March 2021, verses BA’s previous London Gatwick to Bermuda connection. Also discussed were operational matters such as aerodrome rescue and firefighting services, security, emergency coordination and catering. It was acknowledged that BA’s Boeing 777 wide-body aircraft is the largest aircraft operating in Bermuda and that Bermuda continues to meet the higher demands that this type of aircraft (known as Code E) places airport services.”
Minister Furbert added, “The Bermuda and British Airways teams shared data that showed that the direct air service from Heathrow had outperformed the pre-pandemic direct air service from Gatwick. However, data also showed there continues to be an opportunity to increase connectivity beyond London Heathrow to Europe, and other destinations to the east. Further discussions will be held with BA’s destinations partnerships team and the Bermuda Tourism Authority to promote Bermuda in the UK market.”
BA’s revenue management team were not present, but the Minister took the opportunity to ask BA to explore potential opportunities for lowering economy fares to make Bermuda a more accessible and competitive destination. The Minister also provided an update on the planned increase in hotel rooms upon the completion of the Fairmont Southampton redevelopment project.
The Bermuda and British Airways teams found the meeting to be highly productive, paving the way for a strengthened partnership and new initiatives to support Bermuda’s tourism and travel industry.
The Minister thanked British Airways for their long commitment to providing scheduled air service to Bermuda, which began in 1937 with an Imperial Airways (BA-predecessor) Cavalier flying boat.