A change in gateways servicing the Island was confirmed by Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown on Friday.

Bermuda can no longer take a "sit and wait approach" when it comes to addressing the Island's needs Dr. Brown said.

The Transport Minister made the comments as he announced US Airways has dropped its Baltimore route to Bermuda and replaced it with direct service from the US capital.

He said: "Passivity has to be pushed to the side and Bermuda needs to put its case forward. This initiative represents one stage of our overall airline strategy."

From July 7, a direct flight will be available from Bermuda International to the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, bringing the number of US Airways flights servicing the Island to four. Bermuda will be the only international flight operating from the US airport.

Dr. Brown said that the new flight will reach another segment of potential consumers. A challenge, he said, which is perfect for tourism.

"The flight coincides with the opening of Tourism's Washington D.C. office, scheduled for early July and we are very optimistic about the success of this service from this prime region."

US Airways sales and marketing director for the Caribbean, Luis McSween said: "We want to maintain a commitment with the Bermuda Government and its people."

He said the flight will operate between July and November, but hinted that it could expand if successful.

Although he could not definitely say whether the cost of flying directly to Washington D.C. would be cheaper than in the past, he stated that more research would have to be done in order to maintain ways for good service for a quality price.

US Airways began its relationship with Bermuda on June 1,1989 with its first flight to Bermuda from Baltimore.