A former Senator and Minister congratulated the Government on guaranteeing certain airline flights.

Michael Winfield said: ?It is unheard of in other destinations for a Government to participate and/or take the lead in airline guarantees. I congratulate the Bermuda Government for doing this.

?In other destinations the private sector covers 100 percent of all airline guarantees. The private sector in Bermuda is now examining ways in which they might participate in such initiatives.?

Mr. Winfield is the co-chairman of BAT?S Marketing and Airline Strategy, which is aimed at adding more flights and ultimately reducing the cost of airfare.

A new cheap flight will begin service in May to Bermuda from Baltimore/Washington International Airport.

USA3000 Airlines, will offer one-way runs as low as $79 plus taxes, according to the airlines website.

Flights will depart every Tuesday and Friday on the full service airline.

The airline has simple fare rules: No round-trip ticket purchase or Saturday stay, and one-year same-price extensions in the event a passenger is unable to make the trip as originally purchased, and name changes are also possible.

The website said: ?USA3000 has been certified by the United States Federal Aviation Administration as a Part 121 Air Carrier authorised to perform scheduled charter domestic and international flights.?

The cabins have 168 seats in a single class configuration, which guarantees a seat pitch of at least 30 inches, said the website.