Created: 04 August 2022 07:58
First Class: Freedom II’s Boeing 757 is registered in Bermuda (Photo provided)
A new Bermuda-registered airline plans to establish routes between the island and Caribbean destinations.
Freedom II Bermuda Limited was awarded an Air Operator’s Certificate by the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority last week.
Although the new company currently has only one aircraft on its books, it hopes to acquire more aircraft and develop routes to Anguilla and other Caribbean islands.
The company intends to purchase two Embraer 170 aircraft – which can seat up to 78 passengers – for trips to Anguilla.
A spokesman for Freedom II said: “It is hoped that a private market between Bermuda and Anguilla, plus other Caribbean destinations, can be developed. The commercial team within the group is always open to suggestions and requests for cards.
“Future growth plans include the addition to the certificate of two Embraer 170 aircraft, primarily to serve the Aurora Anguilla resort, from the US East Coast with private charter service.”
Last month, Lawrence Scott, the Transport Minister, said Bermuda’s cultural ties to the Caribbean could be used as leverage to increase air traffic in the region.
He said: “If Bermuda can connect with the Caribbean, it can benefit both worlds – travel within the Caribbean, but also our close relationship with the United States.
“Those of us who have pre-clearance can be considered within North America, or at least on the East Coast, and so we can be positioned to take advantage of that anticipated, estimated, almost explosive rebound in air travel in these two major markets.
The minister added that an analysis of the economic impact of Covid-19, conducted by the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization, showed that travel within the Caribbean would recover faster than any other industry segment.
In his statement last month, Scott also revealed that two other airlines were interested in registering here, in part because of Bermuda’s stellar regulatory reputation.
This claim was supported by the Freedom II spokesperson, who said: “The certification process involved demonstration flights, document production and assessments, as well as both simulator and classroom examinations of flight and cabin crew members to demonstrate compliance with the high standards set by Bermuda. Civil Aviation Authority.”
Freedom II currently flies a custom-equipped Boeing 757, which is registered in Bermuda and is now available worldwide for “on-demand, ad hoc VIP charter” after being acquired by Freedom II in December 2021.
Former clients include musician Lady Gaga and the Liverpool and US women’s national soccer teams.
The luxurious interior is equipped with 62 business-style seats and also features a bedroom with a double bed and a large private bathroom for customers.
Luxurious: the interior includes a master bedroom with en suite bathroom (Photo provided)
