Frustrated travellers forced to carry luggage across the Causeway when Longbird Bridge breaks down have been offered a new route to the Airport.

Because Transport Minister Ewart Brown and new Airport boss Marshall Minors revealed ferries could soon pick up stranded air passengers from a rescue point at Coney Island.

Dr. Brown said future plans for fast ferries could also help disgruntled passengers, caught on the wrong side of the Causeway when the bridge breaks down.

But he promised a more immediate solution last night -- after discussing the problem with Marine and Ports director Ron Ross.

The Minister added: "I have been told that we are ferry-ready right now.'' Mr. Minors said: "It means passengers could be picked up at Coney Island and brought straight to the Airport so they can make their flights.

"There would be some delays but at least that's a much better solution if the bridge should fail again.'' Dr. Brown, who had just unveiled Mr. Minors as the airport's first Bermudian general manager in 57 years of history, said Works and Engineering were now "reviewing bridge arrangements''.

He also said the airport had already started a study into "jetway'' bridges, linking aircraft to the terminal building.

And he reaffirmed the Government's commitment to attracting more airlines to Bermuda, to help trigger tourism and the Island's economy.

Mr. Minors, 45, becomes the general manager designate and will succeed Canadian Jack Gordon next February.

Mr. Gordon, who pledged a commitment to Bermudianisation, will leave the Island as the only non-Bermudian in a senior position at the Department of Airport Operations.

Dr. Brown said Mr. Minors' appointment was "a special pleasure''.

He added: "I say special because he's in fact creating history today.

"This is a very important, significant day. Bermudians should be proud that one of us is now ready to take over airport operations.'' He said Mr. Minors would work with Mr. Gordon and receive more training at Orlando International Airport until he steps into the hotseat.

Mr. Minors described the Airport as "Bermuda's lifeline to the outside world''.

He said he would make the Airport, currently operating at a loss, a profitable organisation.

And he said: "I have a vision that Bermuda Airport can be a model for others around the world.

"Perhaps in time, the Department of Airport Operations could become airport consultants and advisers.'' Right-hand man: Marshall Minors (left) and Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown at yesterday's Cabinet Office press conference. Mr. Minors was unveiled as the first Bermudian boss of the Airport.