Bermuda?s skies are looking friendlier these days, thanks to larger aircraft and an increase in the number of gateway travel cities in 2005 this despite a slight drop in the total number of weekly flights.

Tourism Minister Ewart Brown previously revealed that American Airlines is expected to offer five new flights from Miami and Northwest will offer one new flight from Detroit this year.

And according to statistics available from the Department of Airport Operations, the number of flights Continental will offer from Newark has jumped from 14 in 2004 to 21 in 2005.

However, US Airways has dropped a total of nine weekly flights: all seven of last year?s US Airways flights from Baltimore have been cancelled, as well as both of its flights from Fort Lauderdale. And American has eliminated its only weekly service from New York LaGuardia.

Despite marginal reductions in the total number of weekly flights to Bermuda from 118 per week to 116, this does not translate into a decrease in seat availability. Airport General Manager Jim Howes said although the overall numbers of flights from New York JFK airport will decrease from 19 to 14, the model of airplane on that route is changing from a 757 to a Boeing 767 widebody, which can accommodate a significantly greater number of passengers.

The same is true of the 14 US Airways flights from Philadelphia, which will retain the same weekly schedule, but with service from the larger Boeing 767 aircraft. Dr. Brown called the overall loss of two flights ?insignificant,? and added ?what matters is the expanded number of gateways available?.

And when asked about US Airways? decision to cancel their Baltimore service, Dr. Brown noted that since USA 3000 offers a lower fare structure, ?legacy carriers cannot or will not compete?.

Dr. Brown said this year?s schedule will begin to address the problem of airport congestion, particularly between the hours of noon and 3 p.m. He suggested that as a result, ?the whole infrastructure will be able to breathe? allowing for quicker processing inside the airport and easier access to transportation once outside.

Shadow Tourism Minister Jamahl Simmons congratulated Dr. Brown and Mr. Howes for securing the additional flights, and shared Dr. Brown?s view that increasing gateway cities was an important step. However, he expressed concern about long-term success, stating ?kudos for getting the flights in, but make sure the marketing support is there?.