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Airline Plans Service Between Wilmington, N.C., Britain

Posted on: Wednesday, 19 October 2005, 21:00 CDT

By Gareth McGrath, Star-News, Wilmington, N.C.

Oct. 20--The last time there was a direct link between Britain, Bermuda and Wilmington was during the Civil War, when blockade runners would visit Bermuda to load up on British goods before running the Union blockade to reach the Port City.

The successful captains became wealthy -- and infamous. Officials are hoping the new link can be just as profitable, but without the danger.

Fly First Class announced plans Wednesday to start international air service early next year between Wilmington and London, with a stop in Bermuda.

The service would operate twice a week, increasing if demand warrants, said Darrel Richardson, chief executive officer of the new Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based airline.

The Port City would join Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham in having direct connections to the two international destinations. It also would leapfrog ahead of other coastal communities between Fort Lauderdale and Baltimore.

"There's a huge interest in Europe to visit the U.S. East Coast for golf vacations and just as a tour market in general," Mr. Richardson said during an interview in the airport's second-floor conference room Tuesday. "We looked at a lot of locations, but Wilmington just seemed to make sense. We see it as a potential gold mine."

The announcement, which came after nearly two years of false starts and meetings that crossed two continents, has left Wilmington airport officials giddy and rushing to make sure everything is in place before the projected winter 2006 startup.

"We finally get to talk up the international in our name," joked Airport Director Jon Rosborough.

Mr. Richardson said Fly would operate a Boeing 767 equipped with 90 seats.

But the twin-engine plane can be equipped for up to 224 passengers. The airline would offer three-class service, including one of the only true first-class services crossing the Atlantic. Most carriers have dropped first-class cabins in favor of an expanded business class in recent years. Staying true to the airline's name, Mr. Richardson said Fly would offer a higher level of service in all classes than what transatlantic carriers are offering today. That would include personal video devices for all passengers, free drinks and meals created by onboard chefs. Internet service is planned within 18 months.

Mr. Richardson said ticket prices, which haven't been set, would be on par with what other carriers charge. He said the airline could offer competitive prices on such small passenger loads because of the strong air cargo potential with the service.

Because Bermuda imports almost all of its products, he said, island officials are excited about the Wilmington connection offering another "gateway" for imports. The Boeing 767 will be able to carry up to 30,000 pounds of cargo.

While obviously eager to promote the service to North Carolinians, Mr. Richardson said folks shouldn't discount the potential economic boost the arriving passengers would bring to Wilmington and the entire coastal area. He said he sees the service opening up the Mid-Atlantic region to European tourists, who might have already visited popular U.S. tourist hotspots such as Florida, California and New York.

Avid travelers and shoppers, Bermudans could use the service to make quick trips to the U.S. mainland for a vacation or to pick up cheap goods, Mr. Richardson said. Bermuda is a wealthy island, fueled by its banking and insurance industries.

Mr. Rosborough said the airport wouldn't have to make too many changes to accommodate the new service.

He said the airport already has a jet bridge to handle a Boeing 767, which is larger than the aircraft that now serve Wilmington. Officials also are looking at adding a duty-free shopping area to the terminal, which could generate significant revenue for the airport. "But overall I think we're ready," Mr. Rosborough said. While some critics might question the wisdom of starting a new airline when oil prices are sky high, Mr. Richardson said his carrier has an advantage in that its business model is built around today's oil prices. And while Wilmington might seem a rather small market to launch international service from, he saw the potential market for the upscale service extending well beyond the Port City.

"If it's a better product at cheaper prices, why not fly to Bermuda or London out of Wilmington?" Mr. Richardson said.

ADDING THE INTERNATIONAL TO ILM

--WHAT: Fly First Class announced plans Wednesday to start twice-weekly service between Wilmington, Bermuda and London.

--WHEN: Starting in winter 2006, flights would leave Wilmington at 5 p.m. on Fridays and Sundays, arriving in Bermuda at 8:05 p.m. The British colony is about 700 miles and a time zone over from the East Coast. The flight would then continue to London, arriving at 8 a.m. the next day. Return flights would arrive in Wilmington at 3:30 p.m., with passengers pre-clearing customs in Bermuda.

--WHERE: Flights would ultimately land at London's Stanstead Airport, which isn't one of those out-of-the-way locations often used by startup airlines to keep costs down. The airport, on the north side of London, is about as close to the city as the larger and more famous Gatwick Airport. Stanstead is also Britain's fastest-growing airport, fueled by the growth of budget airlines like EasyJet and Ryanair, serving 21 million passengers last year. The airport also offers a fast rail link to the city center and is on a major motorway.

--HOW MUCH: Prices to be determined, but competitive with current rates. Tickets will be available through travel agents, via the Internet and through a toll-free number.

--AIRCRAFT: Boeing 767 with 90 seats in three classes.

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Copyright (c) 2005, Star-News, Wilmington, N.C.

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

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BA, 7661,

Source: Morning Star

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