Bermuda is to get three extra flights to the United States this year, including a new one to Orlando, Florida

A new Saturday US Airways flight to Orlando will begin on May 1 running through to September.

And the Saturday summer US Airways service to Fort Lauderdale will be twice weekly, also flying on a Wednesday.

US Airways is also to double the number of daily weekly flights between Bermuda and Philadelphia to two.

The new service to Philadelphia will arrive on the Island around 9 p.m. and depart at 7.30 a.m. next morning. The other daily Philadelphia service arrives and departs at lunchtime.

The new evening and morning service is understood to offer excellent connections to Europe, which could be vital as Bermuda has launched a push to attract more European visitors.

Bermuda holidays are comparatively cheap for British and European tourists because of the record strength of the pound and euro against the dollar, so increased air links to the continent will be essential if the Island is to take advantage of this.

Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown will make the announcements at a press conference this afternoon; he could not be contacted yesterday. And US Airways refused to comment yesterday, saying the airline would be making a statement today.

Meanwhile, Government?s has re-launched the Companion Flies Free project.

Under the scheme ? for bookings until February 29 and travel through to April 15 ? when a booking is made, a companion can fly for free or get an air credit of up to $240 towards a vacation package.

Acting Tourism Minister Neletha Butterfield said: ?This is an excellent opportunity for our overseas visitors because Bermuda is less than a two hour flight from most East Coast cities.?