The Department of Airport Operations (DAO) celebrated its tenth anniversary this week.

The DAO was established on June 1, 1995 when ownership of Kindley Field was transferred from the US Navy to the Bermuda Government.

Since then it has operated under the Ministry of Tourism and Transport and has been named the best North American Airport by the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) twice in the past decade.

In 2002 and 2003, the IATA?s Global Monitoring Survey of passengers, ranked Bermuda first in its Best Airport in the Americas category and fourth worldwide in Overall Passenger Satisfaction for airports who service less than 15 million passengers.

According to a statement from the Department of Tourism and Transport, Bermuda?s Airport ranked high in the category of courtesy, helpfulness of airport staff, security inspections and waiting time at check-in.

In addition to meeting the operational standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO ? the UN agency which regulates aviation and airports world wide), the Bermuda International Airport yields a profit, after expenses, of more than $10 million a year, which is generated from revenues from landing fees, concessions, rentals and other taxes.

Tourism and Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown said this week that Government has had great success over the past ten years with the management and operation of the Airport by the DAO.

?We have achieved several milestones, including the training and integration of Bermudian air traffic controllers, the recognition of Bermuda International Airport as one of the best in the Western Hemisphere, not once but twice, and one of our biggest achievements, seeing a more than 50 percent increase in commercial air service,? he said.

Dr. Brown also welcomed Aaron Adderley as the new Airport general manager designate.

?We are very keen to encourage all young Bermudians to seriously consider being a part of a successful team by viewing the Airport as a viable career choice,? he said.

?As the DAO prepares to embark on its comprehensive 20-year master plan, I cannot emphasise how excited we are about the future of the Bermuda International Airport and the tremendous opportunities we see to build on our success.?