BermudAir received a fond farewell from the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service yesterday morning as the airline set out from the LF Wade International Airport on its maiden flight.

Fire trucks sprayed the departing Embraer E175 shortly after 8am in a twist of the longstanding tradition of the fire service to welcome new flights to the island.

The first inbound BermudAir flight, which landed on Thursday afternoon, was also greeted by spray from the fire trucks.

Adam Scott, BermudAir CEO, was on board both flights, along with the airline’s first flights to New York.

Mr Scott said: “The first flight was brilliant and we had an amazing first experience. Everyone had a fantastic time and everything went off without a hitch, so we were very happy with the outcome.”

He said he was “elated” for BermudAir to take flight after a lot of hard work by a dedicated team.

“We have managed to get there in, I think, record time, so I’m elated and excited about the future and building a really respectable and exciting business in Bermuda.”

BermudAir had been scheduled to launch air service to Boston and Westchester, New York, on Thursday. However, the initial flights were pushed back by a day because of Hurricane Franklin.

The airline is scheduled to expand service to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on September 22.

In November, BermudAir plans to launch “Aisle Class”, reconfiguring the aircraft to limit seating to 30 seats to offer “unmatched privacy and ample workspace”.

Tickets for the flights went on sale last week and a BermudAir spokeswoman said that the airline was happy with early seat sales.

“We're very satisfied with the level of interest and bookings,” she said. “We've even already had a request to book the entire flight, so we're very encouraged by the response.”

The transport minister, Wayne Furbert, said in a social-media post: “I was very proud to be in attendance at the inaugural flight of the first Bermuda airline registered and operating out of Bermuda. BermudAir. We wish you all the best.”

The flight received a positive review from one of the passengers, who told The Royal Gazette: “It was special to be part of the inaugural flight and seeing the fire engines salute the plane with the water cannons.

“The crew were wonderful and we loved all the Bermuda touches. We will definitely be loyal BermudAir customers.”