Zoom Airlines, the Canadian operator now registered in the UK, introduced flights last Friday (8 June) between Gatwick and Bermuda, breaking the world”s longest-running monopoly for an air service. Research shows that the last airline to compete with British Airways (BA) and its predecessor BOAC on the London-Bermuda service was Cunard Eagle Airways, which ceased flying forty years ago in 1967, after the joint venture between Cunard and British Eagle was taken over by BOAC.
Passengers will also be able to plan two-centre breaks in Bermuda and New York, flying direct from Gatwick to JFK and returning via Bermuda or vice versa, when the airline introduces its daily Kennedy services later this month. Economy and Premium Economy services are offered, while Zoom includes complimentary meals and soft drinks for all passengers. Flights will operate twice-weekly direct.
Zoom Airlines is owned by brothers Hugh and John Boyle, Toronto based Scottish businessmen with a strong track record in the travel industry, backed by minority shareholder, the Bank of Scotland.
Speaking prior to the departure of the inaugural flight John Boyle,said: "Today marks another exciting milestone in the low-cost air travel revolution. Our services to Bermuda offer people a high quality but affordable way of travelling. Competition is long overdue and Zoom's arrival will provide a welcome alternative for people who've had no choice but to pay BA's high fares to Bermuda for the last 40 years."
"What makes this even more exciting is the opportunity of a twin stay in New York and Bermuda with Zoom scheduled direct flights from London Gatwick."
Zoom has operated full-service, so-called low-cost flights, from the UK to Canada since 2003 and now flies from five UK airports to eight points in Canada. Zoom will operate Boeing 767-300 aircraft on the London- Bermuda route, with a scheduled service-standard seat pitch of 31" in Economy and 36" in Premium Economy. Premium Economy seats can be booked for an additional ”99 one-way offering leather seats, separate check-in desks, full seat selection and a higher baggage allowance; complimentary alcoholic and soft drinks throughout the flight and an enhanced in-flight meal.
Our photo shows (left to right) Hugh Boyle, Co-founder of Zoom Airlines and Christopher Joell-Deshields, Business Development Manager - UK, Bermuda Department of Tourism