WestJet flight 2710 landed at 2.08 p.m. this afternoon, marking the arrival of the first low-cost airline between Canada and the Island.

The 131 passengers and six crew disembarked from the 737NG jet onto a pink carpet welcoming them to Bermuda.

Among them were Premier Ewart Brown and his wife Wanda, who described the service as “wonderful”.

The H&H Gombey troupe was also on board, having entertained passengers and dignitaries at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport prior to this morning’s 10.20 a.m. departure.

Once inside L.F. Wade International Airport, the Premier cut a blue ribbon to mark the arrival of the inaugural flight, something he said had taken “several years” to accomplish.

“It is a very special pleasure to participate in the inaugural WestJet flight to Bermuda,” said Dr. Brown.

“For the first time in almost 70 years an airline from Canada has committed to come from Canada to our beautiful Island home.”

John MacLeod, WestJet Vice-President, Network and Revenue, said: “We feel the love. Thank you for welcoming us to Bermuda. On behalf of 7,800 WestJetters, I want to say thank you for making this possible.

“We’re delighted to be here.”

* For the full story see tomorrow’s The Royal Gazette.