The Aviators Alliance Bermuda’s first public session draws 100 attendees to the Bermuda College’s North Hall lecture theatre
Patrice Frith-Hayward hosts the Aviators Alliance Bermuda’s first pilot information session with co-founder, Bermudian pilot Tariq Lynch-Wade. Photo: Bermuda Broadcasting Company
The Aviators Alliance Bermuda, a group of aviation professionals and pilots hosted their inaugural information session geared towards those interested in becoming qualified pilots.
The event was held at the Bermuda College’s North Hall lecture theatre which drew 100 members of the public eager to hear from a panellist of 18 Bermudian pilots, some who live abroad, sharing their experiences via virtual conference and in-person.
Tariq Lynch-Wade, one of four co-founders of the organisation said, “Trajectory wise, I think we’re in the boom of a new era, with BermudAir coming about, with obviously the new airport terminal, with Blue Sky Flights…
“There a whole host of additional aviation opportunities being created right now.”
Mr. Lynch-Wade says there are around 15 to 18 Bermudian pilots actively working in the commercial airline industry internationally and countless others employed in the aviation industry as a whole.
He stressed to the audience that entering the industry is not a sole vocation and stressed the importance of connecting with a mentor to help guide aspiring pilots into their chosen career path.
The group consists of Rona Donawa, Ian Frith, Tariq Lynch-Wade and Nicole Warren.
Ms. Donawa said, “I would say inspired…you can see that this is attainable and its really just create to encourage the conversation around aviation as such an amazing field.”
The AAB also offered a raffle prize draw for all attendees awarding the winner, Julie Thomas, two round-trip ticket with BermudAir presented by BermudAir pilot Henrique Mattos and Rona Donowa of the Aviators Alliance Bermuda (pictured below).
BermudAir, one Bermuda-based aviation company, launched in September 2023 which has hired its first Bermudian pilot.
The company awaits the arrival of two additional Embraer 190 aircrafts in April 2025 to meet demand for their expanded destination catalogue.
The L.F. Wade International Airport underwent a major redevelopment plan officially re-opening in December 2020.
Mr. Lynch-Wade added, “We’ll use tonight as a metric to determine what would be our next steps but the aim of the group is to just highlight the aviation industry and show that it is possible for Bermudians to seek out the industry as a viable career.”
