A new executive lounge for first class and premier passengers travelling to the United States opens today at Bermuda International Airport.

The former first floor Longbird Lounge will be operated initially by the airport, but it is hoped a commercial company will come in to take it over.

Airport General Manager James Howes said passenger surveys showed executive travellers were concerned that there was not a VIP lounge.

The lounge was formerly operated by a private company which pulled out in October 2001.

Mr. Howes said: "Since the closure of the airline premium lounges in US departures, Bermuda no longer had an airline membership or premier fare lounge to offer executive travellers.

"This was a concern raised in the survey results conducted by the Department of Airport Operations on executive travellers' perception of the airport.

"The opening of this facility will enhance our airport product and thus the airport experience of the executive travellers.

"It is our hope to hand over the operation of this lounge to a suitably qualified operator in the near future so that the lounge can become a permanent fixture here at the airport."British Airways has an executive lounge but this is only available for passengers flying to London.

In another improvement at the airport, Island Coffee has upgraded its food and coffee bar in the US departures lounge.

The company called in Terceira Associates to carry out the improvements, which have increased the size of the serving area.

And Island Coffee has also expanded its range of foods and premium flavoured coffees.

Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown carried out the official opening on Saturday after the inaugural US Airways flight from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, reached Bermuda.

He said the improvements would help Bermuda hold onto the title of best airport in North America region for customer satisfaction, which it has won for the past two years.

"Bermuda International Airport intends to retain its award-winning rate and part of that is due to the kinds of services we offer, and the kindness with which the service is rendered," he said.

"The food here will help people remember Bermuda as the wonderful destination that it is. Thank you for helping us remain number one."