There were all smiles on Thursday, as Delta’s inaugural flight from New York’s LaGuardia airport, touched down in Bermuda. Premier, Tourism and Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown, was on hand to personally welcome the 120 passengers and its crew, along with several ministry officials.

An array of photographers and various media looked on as the Premier, alongside Government representatives, shook the hands of arriving passengers, and even posed for a photo-op with the crew.

Also present were Dr. Brown’s Press Secretary Scott Simmons, Community and Cultural Affairs Minister Wayne Perinchief, the Premier’s chief-of-staff Senator Wayne Caines, along with Tourism Director Cherie Whitter. Passengers seemed somewhat puzzled and surprised by the pop and sizzle-styled greeting they received.

Following the meet and greet on the tarmac, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held, along with a press conference to commemorate the event. Dr. Brown announced: “I am truly delighted to welcome the Delta Airlines’ inaugural flight to Bermuda International Airport.

“Today’s inaugural flight is a milestone for both Delta and Bermuda, as it marks Delta’s first new route to Bermuda in 30 years. “New York is undoubtedly Bermuda’s number one market for business and leisure travel.

“And with this new LaGuardia service, Bermuda will enjoy daily non-stop service to all three of New York’s area airports.”

Delta’s Boeing 737 airplane can hold up to 150 passengers and includes first-class seating.

It comes after the announcement that low-cost carrier Zoom Airlines is awaiting approval in the UK to provide a twice weekly service between Bermuda and London, as well as New York’s JFK airport. Dr. Brown suggested the service would enhance the Island’s appeal — especially for travellers from the Manhattan area — and those making connections there.

Airport manager James Howes said he was proud of the accomplishment, especially since he will be returning home to the US after five years on the job, at the end of April. Bermudian Aaron Adderly, who has already been designated as general manager, will succeed Mr. Howes.

Negotiating a deal for the new flight took four years and almost collapsed when an airline that had shown interest in the route pulled out when Jet Blue began service to Bermuda.

Despite the Delta flight being a seasonal service, Dr. Brown expressed optimism the flight might become permanent.

He added: “It’s starting as a seasonal flight, but we’re asking Delta to look at the numbers and if the situation looks viable, to make it a year-round service.

“We’ve been working on a LaGuardia to Bermuda flight for four years. “We thought we had it last year with Spirit Airlines and they pulled out when they heard that Jet Blue was coming into the market.

“For Delta to step up, we thought it was fabulous.”

One passenger, American John Wilson, who along with his wife and two daughters, were here for the first time for the Easter holiday, said: “The flight was very uneventful, very smooth, great, fabulous. The weather in New York was pretty cold, it was about 40 degrees, wet, windy with a bit of snow flurries, so it’s good to be here.”

Having served the Island since 1969 with daily flights from Boston — then adding an Atlanta to Bermuda route eight years later — officials say the new route demonstrates Delta Airlines’ commitment to Bermuda.