The US Customs pre-clearance that passengers of commercial aircraft enjoy before departing Bermuda is set to be extended to private jet users.

Premier Ewart Brown and US Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff jointly signed a Letter of Intention in Washington, DC, the result of months of talks involving Hamilton, Washington and London.

News of the agreement was released by the Cabinet Office in the early hours yesterday.

A final agreement will be reached once logistical and legal hurdles are cleared between Bermuda and the US, with the oversight of the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).

Premier Brown, who is also Bermuda's Minister of Tourism and Transport, said: "Given the steady increase in private jet landings in Bermuda, this is a timely development."

Bermuda-based companies, the Island's burgeoning insurance industry, which writes much of its business in the US, has led an increase in private air travel between the US and Bermuda.

Government estimates about 3,000 non-commercial flights fly into L.F. Wade International Airport each year.

The statement from Cabinet Office said the international pact was viewed as mutually beneficial by enhancing the attractiveness of Bermuda's tourism and financial services industries while also mitigating the potential threat to US homeland security as passengers and crew will be thoroughly vetted before arriving on American soil.

The deal was struck during the bilateral visit to Washington, facilitated by US Consul General Gregory Slayton.

Mr. Slayton said: "This agreement is yet another example of international cooperation at its best. Our success in forging this partnership reflects on the close relationship that exists between the US, the UK and Bermuda which grows ever stronger."

Passengers and crew of commercial flights leaving Bermuda already receive US Customs pre-clearance in accordance with an agreement signed in January 1974.

To extend the same conveniences to non-commercial flyers will require an amendment to the 1974 agreement.

Deputy Governor Mark Capes said: "The well-established and efficient pre-clearance operation for commercial flights is highly valued by travellers from Bermuda to the US.

"This shared intent to build on that success, by expanding pre-clearance to include private aircraft, is a good indicator of the strength and maturity of the relationship between Bermuda, the United States and the United Kingdom."