When a new United Airlines direct flight from Washington DC arrived in Bermuda officials were rightly eager to tell the Island, and the wider world, about the new service.

But not even a Government Minister, an airport chief, American diplomat or an airline captain could defeat that bane of many air travellers ? the loud and seemingly continuous airport announcements.

As the dignitaries heralded Bermuda?s newest air service they found themselves competing with ethereal pronouncements about impending flight departures and reminders not to leave luggage unattended.

Even so, there was no masking the good news for Bermuda as United Airlines started a three-times-a-week direct service from Washington DC?s Dulles Airport.

A plane load of passengers touched down on the Island shortly after midday yesterday on the first of the new flights. The Airbus 320 aircraft, which can carry 138 passengers, was captained by Jim McCarrick.

US Consulate General Gregory Slayton was one of those who greeted to new flight from the American capital, which is also his hometown.

He said: ?There has long been a need for an increased service. The problem in the past was that people were finding the flights were not available at the right time or the cost was too high.?

Mr. Slayton said it was good to see an airline of the calibre of UA increasing its service to the Island and providing connection links to 75 cities across the States from Washington DC.

Jeff Helfrick, regional airport manager for UA, said the new service runs alongside the current direct flight to Chicago. The Washington flights will make it possible for travellers to connect easily between other US cities and also a number of destinations in South America.

Acting Tourism Minister Walter Lister said: ?This new flight marks the latest expansion by United Airlines of non-stop flights to Bermuda; in 2004 United began non-stop service from the windy city of Chicago.

?With the success of the Chicago flight we are sure that the Dulles flight will be equally successful. With this new service Bermuda now has a direct service from all Baltimore and Washington area airports.?

And Mr. Lister said he envisaged the service being patronised by Government in light of the visit made by Premier Alex Scott to meet with leading politicians in Washington DC last month and the prospect of future meetings.

The new service flights are on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. On Thursdays and Saturdays the flight leaves Washington at 9.30 a.m. and departs Bermuda at 2.05 p.m., while on Sundays it leaves Washington at 8.05 a.m. and departs Bermuda at 2.30 p.m.