Eight Bermudian teenagers have spent two weeks with BermudAir, learning about all aspects of the airline business and the aviation industry in the ultimate summer school job.

BermudAir’s inaugural Summer Student Programme involved students aged from 16 to 19.

Adam Scott, the founder and CEO of the airline, said: “We were delighted to have these very keen students join us for this initial programme, and our team were really impressed with how focused and engaged they were throughout.”

“These young men are enthusiastic about joining the aviation industry. Our team members were happy to help them along the way by sharing their considerable knowledge and expertise.”

Since launch, the company has prioritised promoting aviation as an attractive career option.

Deanna Durham, the company's head of human resources, said: “Our ultimate goal is to support and facilitate pathways to careers in aviation. This initial Summer Student Programme is one aspect of that. It was designed to be a learning opportunity for the students, and for us in implementing it for the first time.

“As such, we invited this first group of students, who we knew were interested in aviation as a career, to participate. And while learning they also gave us feedback that we’ll use to structure a longer programme next year.”

The students, Tai Cedenio, Kaden Darrell-Maybury, Joshua Kelly, Kimon Lawrence, Benjamin Redburn, Owen Sullivan, Christian Warren and Aiden Wells, participated in classroom sessions as well as practical learning visits, tours and demonstrations on-site at LF Wade International Airport and on board BermudAir aircraft.

Tariq Lynch-Wade, a qualified pilot and head of safety at BermudAir, provided direct instruction and shared his own experience with the students alongside members of the airline’s flight crew, cabin crew, flight operations, ground operations, engineering, commercial and management team members.

“Being able to help provide the students with this kind of stepping stone towards their aspirations and seeing them embrace it so well and with great questions is fantastic,” Mr Lynch-Wade said.

“We’re looking forward to building on this positive start to help nurture a new generation of aviation professionals right here on-island.”

The company is looking forward to hosting male and female students in the next iteration of the programme, and will be issuing more information on that and an application process in the coming months.

Mr. Scott thanked the industry partners locally who helped BermudAir deliver the 2024 programme, including Skyport, Cedar Aviation, the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority, Air Traffic Control, Blue Sky Flights, World of Aviation, Monica Hoefert and the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service.

“We truly appreciate the collaboration, time and support of all the partners involved in the programme,” Mr Scott said. “It’s a testament to how deep the desire is here to get young people involved in the industry.”