Good things come in small packages. Meet Bermudair
You will be forgiven for not knowing of this new Bermuda-based startup, but it's certainly going to be getting a lot of attention in the coming months. The airline has been a long time in the making. Bermudair actually comes from Adam Scott—the same CEO who wanted to start Odyssey, the all-business class airline that was going to fly from London City Airport to the East Coast of the US and Dubai. This new startup is an all-business class operation, one of a few new airlines set to take to the skies in the coming months, including Beond, the new all-business class carrier that will be based in the Maldives. But what do these two carriers have in common beyond an all-business class proposition? The brands for both have been brought to life by industry brand veteran Paul Wylde, who has managed to inject both vibrancy and sophistication into this unusual Bermudian entrant. Working in close partnership with Bermudair's leadership team, Paul Wylde's creative team defined and articulated the brand’s soul and its translation into a beautiful and distinctive visual identity. A key initial creative idea was the concept of “Civilised Adventure”, which subsequently inspired the entire brand identity, its architecture and guest experience. “There’s so much more to Bermuda than initially meets the eye. Our intent was to convey that concept in Bermudair’s brand identity,” states Paul Wylde.  While the logo is elegant, refined and understated, all eyes are most likely going to turn to the specially created layered abstract artwork that "represents the vibrant and sophisticated local culture and the natural environment of the island that often reveals its magic to visitors and locals alike over time."  Bermudair has already commenced flights and has started flying from Bermuda L.F. Wade International Airport to Boston and Westchester County Airport, with Fort Lauderdale coming online in the next few weeks. While the initial aircraft features a pre-existing seat configuration in a 2 x 2 layout, the interiors will be updated in the coming months to feature an innovative all-aisle access product from other industry stalwart Factorydesign.  Following delivery of highly customised and game-changing seating suites on November 1, 2023, a first for a short-haul airline, BermudAir will usher in a new era of business class air travel with the introduction of Aisle Class, a seating concept that eliminates the aisle vs. window seat dilemma. From November, BermudAir’s E175s will be configured with just 30 seats to feature unmatched privacy and ample workspace, with only two spacious seats across from each other in each row. 
The new seat is an innovative new-to-market products that took an economy double seat, removed the outboard passenger position and replaced it with side furniture and an aisle partition, giving the seat the manner of a modern Business product. This allowed a fast track program with a modified seat rather than an all new product.  "At Factorydesign we are hugely proud and privileged to have created a truly unique cabin environment for Bermudair. This exciting new airline will run services from the US East Coast to Bermuda in a private jet-style environment and for a fraction of the cost. Initially starting with a pair of seats sold as one, just wait for the converted all business class cabin to arrive. By removing the inboard seat and replacing it with furniture, these converted suites provide every passenger with far greater levels of privacy and comfort, enhanced side furniture and additional stowage. The suites are complimented by a sophisticated, premium cabin environment with delightful touches, such as the lighting which bathes the cabin in blue light on the way to USA, and pink light on the way to Bermuda," states Factorydesign.  Travellers will be able to take advantage of under-seat stowage for a carry-on and personal item, in-seat power, plus free Wi-Fi including Wi-Fi-powered entertainment and messaging. The Aisle Class cabin, designed without the need for overhead bins, offers a light and spacious ambiance, facilitating a convenient and quick boarding and deplaning experience.  I have to admit, I'm pleasantly surprised and delighted by this new airline brand proposition from livery to cabin design. It's well executed and showcases how two studios can (and should) work in conjunction to delivery a considered, elegant brand story. The livery is quietly elegant, and the wonderfully ornate and colourful tail fin is a breath of fresh air in a sea of flat airline designs. The interiors are really smart and the use of cost effective processes show how even start-ups can afford something spectacular from the get go. Factorydesign and Paul Wylde should be proud of creating something that will cause a stir on these short haul hops. And as for long-haul? I can't wait to see what Beond brings. The Design Air |
