Transnational Travel's inaugural flight from Connecticut's Bradley International airport got off to a smooth start yesterday as 125 passengers made the two-hour journey to Bermuda.

Each week TNT will operate two flights to the Island, on Thursday and Sunday, which will mean an additional 260 visitors -- the plane has a capacity for 130 persons -- if the flight arrives full each week.

In a foyer decked out with red, yellow, pink and blue balloons, rum swizzles, coffee and cookies, the passengers milled about as they waited for the signal to embark.

For the majority, it was their first trip to Bermuda, but one couple -- Sandy and Bob Brucato were planning to rekindle the honeymoon trip they made here 28 years ago.

TNT president Mr. Doug Frank, said he was happy that his organisation was once again flying out of the New England area to Bermuda.

He said that on the whole the charter market business had not been very strong compared to recent years.

"The business this year has been softer than last year,'' he explained.

"Last year was probably the best year we've had in the charter business in many, many years.

"This year is definitely off...not only in the Caribbean. Bermuda business is down. Our Florida business is down too, so it's somewhat across the board.'' However, Mr. Frank said that a rejuvenated advertising campaign which targeted newspapers, television and radio, had helped to get the names of TNT destinations into the American public's mind.

Meanwhile, Tourism Director Mr. Gary Phillips promised the passengers a warm welcome, saying they would be greeted by "wonderful people and wonderful hotels whose commitment it is to make sure that your holiday experience is one in a lifetime.'' "Many of you, I understand, have been to Bermuda and a number of you here are going to go to Bermuda for the first time,'' he said, telling the first-time visitors that once they experienced Bermuda they would want to return again and again.

Grotto Bay hotel resident manager Mr. Clyde Darrell, who made the trip to Connecticut and flew back on the inaugural flight, said he was encouraged by the prospect of the new flight.

"I feel that it is a good thing,'' he said. "I think it is positive and I hope it will be a success.''