BermudAir Scraps Business Class Only Strategy

Summary

• BermudAir will adjust its cabins to include economy seating on its Embraer E175 fleet in response to demand and guest feedback.
• The airline initially planned to launch with all-business class seating but experienced supply chain delays, leading it to operate flights at half capacity.
• The new adjustments will see BermudAir offering “aisle class” and economy class, allowing guests to choose a travel experience that suits their needs and preferences.

Following feedback from passengers, all-business class startup BermudAir will adjust its cabins to include economy seating on its Embraer E175 fleet.

In-cabin shake-ups

As reported by FlightGlobal, the newly launched Bermudan premium carrier will alter its current business model to offer two seating classes just six weeks into operations. CEO Adam Scott noted,

“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. We’ve had overwhelmingly positive feedback from our guests… but guests also desire more options and flexibility.”

Initially planning to launch with all-business class seating, supply chain delays led the airline to push back its timeline, instead offering 44 seats on each flight, half of the aircraft’s capacity, to allow for a roomier travel experience until its previously planned overhaul.

The new adjustments will see BermudAir drop plans to retrofit its E175s with 30 business class suites, instead keeping “aisle class” and economy class, providing further capacity as it targets growth into the United States. Scott added,

“The strategic shift in service enables the airline to honour its commitment to Bermuda, while also responding to evolving market dynamics and preliminary guest feedback from its phased launch. The dual-class cabin will also allow guests to choose a travel experience that aligns with their individual needs and preferences.”

The adjusted model will see the airline fit out its cabin with twin-class seating during the fourth quarter, with the proposed business class seating to be available before the end of 2023. BermudAir currently offers three ticketing options: economy light, classic, and flex. The airline’s upcoming business class upgrade is set to provide premium passengers with larger luggage allowances and more flexible booking options.

BermudAir’s decision has not come without controversy; while some analysts have praised the airline’s decision to shift its focus to year-round operations, others have raised concerns that the announcement may negatively impact the premium travel market and the business-class travel model. One other airline currently offers all-business class travel, French boutique carrier La Compagnie, while US-based JetBlue features the premium Mint product on several of its Airbus A321 jets.

Growth plans

Since launching in September, BermudAir has operated nearly 200 flights, connecting to three East Coast destinations from its hub at Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA).

Services initially launched with flights to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), with services to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) in Florida and Westchester County Airport (HPN) in Upstate New York following in late September.

Despite early successes, the carrier has no immediate plans to expand further, with the airline remaining focused on its East Coast operations. Eventual growth will see the airline look to grow its fleet, allowing it to serve other destinations and target new markets.

BermudAir operates two ex-Flybe E175s (VQ-BLU, VQ-BLW) under lease by Azorra Aviation. The carrier has yet to confirm the seating arrangement for its upcoming dual-class cabin.

Have you had the chance to fly with BermudAir yet? What was your experience? Let us know in the comments.

Sources: FlightGlobal, Aviation Week, The Independent