BermudAir, the island’s flagship airline, has launched its service to Canada, beginning with flights to Toronto.

The inaugural flight to Pearson International Airport opening the latest route on BermudAir’s expanding network, took place on Friday.

“Flying to Canada marks the latest phase of our strategic expansion of service for Bermuda,” said Adam Scott, founder and chief executive of BermudAir.

“Launching flights to Toronto, along with service to Halifax next week, means that we now offer seven routes between Bermuda, Canada and the USA.

“This extends year-round air service and capacity overall for residents and companies in Bermuda, while also providing convenient options to reach the island for inbound travellers.”

BermudAir announced that it was starting services to Canada earlier this year, and the new route will provide direct service to Toronto three times a week, on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, with a flight time of 2½ hours.

“Our team is excited to add this new service, which expands access for leisure and business travel to Bermuda with more direct flights and connectivity,” added Mr Scott.

“The market response we’re already seeing for this route indicates significant interest which is very encouraging. We’re now covering service gaps to the Canadian market that have been previously underserved.

“Our new routes provide links that will help grow tourism and business development between Bermuda and Canada.”

Mr Scott, a Canadian from Toronto, added: “We’ve been operating for less than a year and I’m immensely proud of what our team has accomplished in that time with our network expansion.

“It’s a significant milestone for us and being able to connect Bermuda to Toronto in this way is also a personal and professional point of pride for me.”

Khalil Lamrabet, chief commercial officer and interim COO of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, said: “Toronto Pearson welcomes its newest boutique airline, BermudAir.

“Making the occasion even more special is the fact that Toronto Pearson is the first Canadian destination for the carrier. Canada and Bermuda have strong, longstanding bilateral relations.

“The two countries have been commerce, education and tourism partners for centuries, so the addition of BermudAir is a natural fit.”

BermudAir’s team celebrated the inaugural flight to Toronto with gifts and Canadian-themed food and beverages for passengers on board.

Mr Lamrabet and other GTAA officials were on hand in the terminal to greet the BermudAir flight and passengers.

Speeches and a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mr Scott, Mr Lamrabet and Isabelle Ramsay Brackstone, the Honorary Consul of Canada in Bermuda, also formed part of the celebration.

• Access to more information and making bookings is available via the BermudAir app or website: www.flybermudair.com