After months of renovations air travellers can now enjoy traditional Bermudian architecture, soft pastel colours and an expanded immigration area upon their arrival in Bermuda.

Transportation Minister Wayne Furbert yesterday unveiled the nearly-completed renovations at the Airport during a Press conference to announce celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the first commercial air flight to Bermuda.

Mr. Furbert said the $7 million worth of improvements included separate arrival and departure sections that were wheel chair accessible via an elevator.

Arriving passengers are now greeted by two separate pink entrances designed like Bermuda cottages, complete with traditional roofs.

A larger yellow version sits between the two pink ones and leads departing passengers to their waiting planes.

Inside, weary travellers are now processed in a large immigration area complete with a cedar fireplace and trim, new bathrooms and pillars.

Evening travellers will also find their arrival visually appealing with the installation of new outdoor lighting.

"Each pole is 80 feet in height and made of steel,'' Mr. Furbert said. "When flights come in at night the runway and walkway area will be lit.'' Mr. Furbert said he hoped the upgraded facilities will be totally completed by the end of May.

But he noted that the concessions area and the executive lounge probably would not by ready until the end of July.

And locals will get the chance to inspect the improved outdoor facilities next month with the Bermuda International Airport Race and Fun Day.

Mr. Furbert and Youth and Sports Minister David Dyer yesterday announced the activities planned to mark the 60th anniversary of the first commercial air service to Bermuda.

"We will be having races on the runway in the morning,'' said Mr. Furbert.

"No one has ever been allowed to hold events on the runways before.'' Dr. Dyer added: "There will be cycle and running races and after that we'll go to the beach (Clearwater Beach) and do some swimming. It will be a fun day and we're encouraging the public to come down.'' And Mr. Furbert said special prizes will be awarded to participants as well as spectators who drop by to enjoy the majorettes and Gombeys.

Aviations Marketing manager Michelle Burrows hinted that the surprise prizes had airport themes and were sponsored by the airlines.

The event will take place on June 14 from 7.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The rain date will be June 16.

Spectators should enter the airport runway via the parking lot at Clearwater Beach.

Those interested in competing in the cycling, running and swimming races can pick up an application from local sporting associations or from Youth and Sports.

NEW AND IMPROVED -- The newly renovated and enlarged immigration area at the Bermuda International Airport.