USA 3000's inaugural flight to Bermuda touched down to a champagne toast and official welcome by Government and airport officials last night.

Premier Alex Scott, Tourism Minister Renee Webb, and Transport Minister Ewart Brown were on hand to welcome the flight's 90 passengers and crew.

USA 3000 sales manager Trevor Sadler announced that the airline would begin flights from New York City and Newark, New Jersey this September.

"We thank you for your hospitable welcome, as we celebrate this inaugural flight to Bermuda," he said.

Airport General Manager Jim Howes, originally from Maryland, said welcoming the inaugural flight had special meaning as his brother and sister-in-law were on board the plane.

"It means a lot for me personally to see a flight coming in from my home town," said Mr Howes. "It is my great pleasure to welcome the captain and the crew to Bermuda. We wish you the best of success with this new flight."

Two months ago Dr. Brown announced that USA 3000 would operate a direct service between Bermuda and Baltimore. The low fare airline bills passengers at $79 each way plus tax.

Premier Alex Scott said he was delighted to welcome the flight to Bermuda. "We knew it would be a shot in the arm for the tourism industry, it will work for us and we hope it will work for you as well," he said.

Dr. Brown paid his compliments to Airport Manager Jim Howes for selling Bermuda as a destination to airline companies. "I feel it's necessary to share the commendations with Jim Howes who sells Bermuda as if he was born in Bermuda."

Tourism Minister Renee Webb said the airline would support her prediction for a bumper tourism year.

"We're very much a part of the process in supporting the work of airlines in helping to market Bermuda as a destination," she said.

Passengers Dara and Christa Afshar of Washington, D.C. are in Bermuda to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary and were pleased with the smooth flight to the Island.

"It was a very pleasant first flight, we were very pleased with the service, we'll use it again to come back to the Island," said Mrs. Afshar.

103 passengers left shortly after on the evening flight.