An opportunity to increase flight connectivity to Europe came up for discussion when the Minister of Transport met with British Airways officials in London recently.

Wayne Furbert also discussed operational matters such as aerodrome rescue and firefighting services, security and emergency co-ordination during the meeting with the airline’s team, which was led by James Yardley, vice-president of International Airlines Group, the carrier’s parent company.

Mr Furbert was accompanied by Lester Nelson, chief executive of the Bermuda Airport Authority, and Aaron Adderley, president of Skyport.

The two teams discussed partnerships and strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the longstanding air connection between Bermuda and London.

Mr Furbert said: “The discussions included the performance BA’s London Heathrow to Bermuda connection, which commenced in March 2021, versus BA’s previous London Gatwick to Bermuda connection.

“It was acknowledged that BA’s Boeing 777 wide-body aircraft is the largest aircraft operating in Bermuda and that Bermuda continues to meet the higher demands that this type of aircraft places on airport services.”

He said the two parties shared information which indicated that the direct air service from Heathrow to LF Wade International Airport outperformed the pre-pandemic, direct air service from Gatwick.

However, he said: “Data also showed there continues to be an opportunity to increase connectivity beyond London Heathrow to Europe, and other destinations to the east.”

He said more discussions are to be held with the airline’s destinations partnerships team and the Bermuda Tourism Authority to promote the island in the British market.

A ministry spokesman said Mr Furbert made a proposal to the carrier to explore potential opportunities for lowering economy fares to make Bermuda a more accessible and competitive destination.

The spokesman said the minister also provided an update on the planned increase in hotel rooms upon the completion of the Fairmont Southampton redevelopment project.

Mr Furbert thanked British Airways for their long commitment to providing scheduled air service to Bermuda, which began in 1937 with Imperial Airways.