Updated: Jan 07, 2024 09:31 AM
MalaikAir (Image supplied)
Bermuda could have its first direct flights to Africa this year once a new business venture takes off.
Richard Nwaobi, the founder of MalaikAir, says that he plans to connect the island to the Ghanaian capital, Accra, after market research and a feasibility study conducted in Bermuda suggested that there would be high demand for the route, which would also connect passengers to central and western African destinations.
Mr Nwaobi, who worked for Bacardi in Bermuda as general manager for brands several years ago and is married to a Jamaican-Bermudian, said that the venture could also help to connect Africans to the Caribbean through Bermuda.
Bermuda Direct Air Service, which is providing service to Caribbean destinations, and BermudAir could benefit.
“This is the first time that any airline from Africa will be connecting to Bermuda,” he said.
“The business has been created, and we are working on final regulatory details. We are also looking for a final round of financing.
MalaikAir (Photograph supplied)
“We will fly between Bermuda and Ghana, which is a direct eight-hour flight to Kotoko International Airport. We are looking to start it by the late second quarter to early third quarter of this year.
“From Ghana, we can take them to West Africa, from Accra to Bermuda then go with ScottsCraft to the eastern Caribbean, and with BermudAir to parts of US.
“Then, coming from Bermuda we can take them to Ghana through to Nigeria, Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire and other western and central African countries.”
Mr Nwaobi said that the plan is to use a Boeing 767-300DR, which can carry a little more than 200 passengers in four classes — first, business, premium and economy. He said that two to three flights per week are possible.
He came to Bermuda in the summer to host an event to assess interest in the route.
“In Bermuda, I spoke to relevant stakeholders, such as Lawrence Scott, of Bermuda Direct Air Service, and Adam Scott, of BermudAir. Definitely Bermuda is doing well with these new airlines. With these partnerships, we will likely do two or three flights weekly,” he said.
“On November 4, we ran an informal campaign in Bermuda called Let’s Rediscover Africa, which focused on food, culture and fashion. At the event, we had a Q&A session, and people were so excited. We are in the process of curating a trip for Bermudians to come and visit. We are looking at doing two trips.
“A lot of Bermudians want to come to Africa but the cost scares them — it is too expensive. We have not done our pricing yet but, rest assured, it would be more cost-effective.
“Now it is over $2,000, $3,000 or even $4,000. You fly to London and then to Accra or you go to New York — none are cheap options.
“This will be easier. You leave Bermuda in the evening and wake up in Accra.”
Mr Nwaobi said that his wife, Karen Hendrickson, who worked in banking before moving into the airline industry, will be in charge of vacations and customer experience with MalaikAir.
He said that partnerships with local airlines will help to create jobs.
“There will be a transitory hub through this alliance. The two airlines will grow exponentially as we feed passengers to them and they will need more flights to operate them. They will need pilots, cabin crew and other services. It’s a win-win,” he said.
“We want to do things properly. Safety is most important. We have tackled the biggest challenges, and now we are taking measured steps and are assembling a team. By the end of the month, we will make an announcement.”
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