Zoom Airlines’ inaugural flight from London to Bermuda arrived at the L. F. Wade International Airport 11 minutes late yesterday.

The airline carrying 149 passengers was scheduled to arrive at 4.15 p.m. but didn’t land until 4.26 p.m. because of a late passenger. The owners of Zoom Airlines, brothers Hugh and John Boyle and passengers were met by Junior Tourism Minister, Senator Wayne Caines; Airport general manager Aaron Adderley; Director of Civil Aviation, Ian MacIntyre; and designate Director of Civil Aviation Thomas Dunstan.

Premier Ewart Brown was unable to attend because the House of Assembly was sitting.

The plane was met with a double spray of water from the airport fire truck hoses about ten minutes after landing.

In a statement earlier yesterday in the House of Assembly, Dr. Brown expressed his enthusiasm about the new flight.

“For the first time in 40 years, travellers with have a choice in carrier when they fly direct between Bermuda and London.”

“As Minister of Tourism and Transport, it has been my long standing commitment to the public that increased competition on air traffic routes will lead to lower fares. This has proven true with New York routes, with the Boston route, and now will also be the case for the critical link between our country and Europe.”

Dr. Brown went on to explain that the tourism numbers will rise as a result of this new flight. He also said that since European visitors tended to stay longer than North Americans, hotels would benefit also.

Mr. Adderley also expressed his excitement about the new venture. He said more available seats meant more visitors and more business for Bermuda.

Sen. Caines said this new flight was opening up the European market.

Hugh and John Boyle said they were “absolutely delighted” to be in Bermuda. “Today is important for Bermuda’s aviation history,” John said.

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, with space for 270 passengers, on transatlantic services and has two on-board travel classes, premium economy and economy.

The current schedule has 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. Tickets can be bought for as low as $149 each way.