The Government has highlighted the island’s “strong commitment” to its partnership with two major airlines.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, held meetings with senior executives of American Airlines and British Airways.

Talks covered Bermuda’s air service performance, scheduling and future capacity needs, a government spokeswoman said.

“These discussions were particularly important in anticipation of the reopening of the Fairmont Southampton,” she added.

Mr Darrell and the Bermuda Air Service Development team met with representatives of American Airlines at the carrier’s headquarters in Dallas, Texas and with British Airways executives in London.

Mr Darrell emphasised Bermuda’s strong commitment to its partnerships with the two carriers.

“We reinforced our longstanding and valued relationships with both airlines,” he said.

“The meetings were highly productive and both airlines expressed a strong commitment to continued collaboration.”

Mr Darrell and the air service development team intend to reconvene with airline partners next year to continue discussions, representing the island’s dedication to ongoing air service development and stakeholder engagement, the government spokeswoman said.

The minister was joined by Lester Nelson, the chief executive of the Bermuda Airport Authority, Erin Wright, the acting chief executive of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, William Griffith, the acting chairman of the BTA, and Aaron Adderley, the president of Skyport.