a brand new service to the Island.

Trans World Airlines (TWA) is to start a scheduled service from St. Louis, Missouri next May until October, subject to US approval.

It is the first time TWA has flown to Bermuda and the first time the Island has had a link with the Missouri hub.

It is unclear what the frequency of the flight will be, but it has delighted tourism officials who recently heard that Delta Air Lines was to add a second flight out of Atlanta next year.

The TWA move will give Bermuda a direct, non-stop service to and from the mid-west -- enabling it to tap into markets in Kansas, Utah, Wyoming, Illinois, Colorado and California.

And with the new Delta service timed to connect with west coast and southern state flights -- getting people to Bermuda and back in a day -- it means the Island will have a real foothold in the west.

Tourism Minister David Allen announced the news at a press conference in New York.

He said: "This is extremely good news. It shows the confidence of a major player in Bermuda.

"We are looking to have a major market in the mid-west and west coast. We are pleased that our partnership with TWA has developed so positively, allowing for the possibility of this exciting new route and gateway.'' The Minister said currently passengers from the region have to fly to New York to connect to a Bermuda flight, but the new route and timing will provide them with a better option.

And Bermuda Hotel Association chief executive John Harvey said any new services were a plus.

"Any new development in terms of airlines is pleasing, hopefully the flights will come full and we will take care of the passengers,'' Mr. Harvey said.

"It is certainly a beginning, we would want to continue pressing. It has been lacking for a long time -- so it is fantastic news.'' And the arrival of a brand new airline in Bermuda could bring more opportunities, said Hamilton Princess general manager Michael Kaile.

"The advantage of bringing in another airline is competition,'' he said.

"And if the carrier gets interested in the Island, then its another hub from which to operate and extend.

"It is hugely positive. Missouri gets pretty hot in the summer and it could be that people see Bermuda as an attractive summer time alternative.''