US Airways is introducing a daily non-stop round trip service between Boston and Bermuda for the spring of 2003, announced airline representatives yesterday.

The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Dinghy Club yesterday evening. US Airways Vice President of International Douglas Leo told the attending representatives from Bermuda's travel industry: "We've been very happy at US Airways with our ability to serve Bermuda."

Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown said at the press conference the increased competition US Airways will now provide with other carriers to Bermuda is a good thing.

"One of our commitments was to try and generate some competition and more air traffic," he said. "But competition is a bad word to some, some people run away. However my background has taught me that these carriers thrive on competition. And we need competition, even in Bermuda.

"This will enhance Bermuda as a tourist destination and service in general. That entire north eastern corridor will become increasingly competitive, and that's what we look for.

"The only way to improve airline convenience and fairs is through higher competition," continued Dr. Brown. "We are very happy and there is a great deal of excitement on the part of US Airways."

The new service will begin on May 4, 2003, using a 120-seat Airbus aircraft with 108 seats in Coach class and 12 seats in First class. Flights are scheduled to depart from Boston at 8 a.m., arriving in Bermuda at 11.10 a.m. Return flights depart Bermuda at 12.20 p.m., and will arrive in Boston at 1.33 p.m.

"This new service from Boston complements our four existing gateways to Bermuda - New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Charlotte," said Douglas Leo, vice president of US Airways International.

In addition to the new Boston route, service from existing US gateways in Washington DC, New York, and Charlotte will also be expanded, said US Airways.

From Washington a Saturday service is scheduled to begin on March 15, and a daily service will begin on April 6.

From New York's La Guardia airport daily non-stop service will begin April 6, and from Charlotte a daily, non-stop service will begin on June 8.

A second daily US Airways flight from Philadelphia is also being considered. That flight would leave Philadelphia in the early evening, and arrive in Bermuda in the late evening. It would then overnight in Bermuda, departing for Philadelphia again the next morning.

Mr. Leo also announced the permanent appointment of Michael Pewther as district sales manager for US Airways in Bermuda.

"If anyone has any suggestions as to how we can improve what we are doing," finished Dr. Brown, "please give me a call."