The inaugural Zoom Airlines flight from the UK will touch down today.

The twice weekly direct flight is due to arrive from London’s airport Gatwick at 4.15 p.m and a special ceremony will be thrown at the L.F. Wade International Airport to mark the occasion.

Flights are being offered for as low as $249 for a one way ticket, tax included. The company will be the first to compete against British Airways since 1967 and its website boasted its ticket prices were between 36 percent and 73 percent cheaper than those offered by BA.

A Tourism Ministry spokeswoman said: “Today Zoom will officially begin its London Gatwick to Bermuda service.”

Premier Dr. Ewart Brown, Minister of Tourism and Transport, said: “Clearly increased competition on highly travelled air traffic routes instantly leads to lower fares for passengers — for Bermudians and visitors alike. We’ve seen it with the New York routes, we’ve seen it with the Boston route and we’re seeing it now with the London route. Zoom’s very aggressive pricing is an instant game changer.

“As Minister of Tourism it has always been my policy that more seats and more competitive fares lead to better results for our tourism industry. I think the numbers you have seen recently prove the policy is working very nicely. And keep in mind that European tourists typically stay in our hotels longer than North American visitors. So I expect more good news on the horizon for our hoteliers.

“There are now more options in and out of Bermuda than ever before, not to mention better prices.

“This is a win-win and we couldn’t be more pleased.”

Zoom Airlines Ltd. is a UK-based sister company to Zoom Airlines Inc., the existing Canadian low-fares full-service airline which launched operations in 2002. Zoom flies Boeing 767-300ER aircraft on transatlantic services and has two on-board travel classes, premium economy and economy.

Starting today there will be flights from London Gatwick on Mondays and Fridays until a regular schedule takes effect on June 23.

The regular schedule will see Zoom flights departing Bermuda on Tuesday evenings at 7.30 p.m. and arriving into London Gatwick at 6 a.m. on Wednesday while the Saturday evening flight from Bermuda will leave at 9.30 p.m. and arrive in London at 7.55 a.m. Sunday.

Flights to Bermuda will depart London at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays and arrive in Bermuda at 4.15 p.m. while the Sunday flight leaves at 11 a.m. and arrives in Bermuda at 2.15 p.m.

Managing director of Zoom Jonathan Hinkles, was not available for comment yesterday but has previously told The Royal Gazette the new service was a “revolutionary move” for Bermuda.

For more information about Zoom’s direct Bermuda service and schedule visit www.FlyZoom.com