strengthen the Island's tourism and international business industries and should be encouraged, the Minister of Tourism said yesterday.

The Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge made the comment after USAir, Bermuda's largest carrier, inaugurated the new service when its Boeing 727 jet arrived in Bermuda yesterday afternoon.

"We need to be more supportive of those people who are coming to us,'' Mr.

Woolridge said.

"Without those airlines serving us, Bermuda can say goodbye, not just to tourism but it can also say goodbye to international business. It is so essential to have this service.'' Mr. Woolridge met Mr. Carroll D. Gray, president of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce who was on yesterday's flight.

He will meet with Mr. Woolridge later today and they are expected to discuss ways to promote business between Bermuda and Charlotte.

Mr. Woolridge said he was hopeful the new flight out of Charlotte would give the local community "the lift it needed.'' "It was full,'' he said of yesterday's first flight. "And by all indications the advanced bookings look very good indeed.

"I think it is a link that is very much welcome and appreciated by Bermudians, especially businessmen.

"North Carolina is a heavy area for business. A lot of the major furniture places are there.'' With this service USAir will have a total of five daily flights to Bermuda.

CONGRATULATIONS -- Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge greets Mr.

Carroll Gray, president of the Charlotte chamber of Commerce yesterday.

Looking on is local USAir manager Mr. Herbie Siggins and Ms Susan Young, representing USAir headquarters.