Airlift to the island has increased 22 per cent year-on-year, according to the Bermuda Tourism Authority.

In a statement, the BTA said that the number of commercial airline seats available on routes to the island increased by 19,085 in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period of 2015.

And while visitor arrival numbers for the period are not expected to be released until next week, Bill Hanbury, the CEO of the BTA, said the increased airlift was a positive development.

“A greater number of airline seats increases our chances to put vacationers in those seats,” he said.

“That’s why a year ago we worked so hard with our partners in the public and private sector to advance this issue. We consider a 22 per cent increase in seats, during the shoulder season, to be a very positive development.

“These additional seats also serve the local community in a positive way because when supply increases, cost typically decreases. This is good news for Bermuda residents and businesses since the cost of air travel becomes more affordable for all of us, not just for our visitors.”

The increase in airlift was directly attributed to the introduction of additional American Airline flights to New York and the return of winter service by United Airlines to Newark.

Since the end of the first quarter American Airlines has resumed direct daily service from Philadelphia, and the airline will offer daily flights to Washington National Airport and weekly flights to Charlotte Douglas International Airport this summer.

Meanwhile United Airlines is set to increase service between Bermuda and New York/Newark Liberty International Airport on May 5 and Jet Blue is set to increase service to both Boston and New York next month.

Ross Weber, CEO of the Bermuda Business Development Agency, added: “It is encouraging to see this uplift in capacity. We are happy to work alongside the BTA to ensure routes are available, convenient and, ultimately, better priced.

“The BDA has worked tenaciously throughout the year encouraging more people to fly to Bermuda. We have been instrumental in attracting and sponsoring on-island events that draw business travellers to the Island from all parts of the world. Hosting conferences like the Legal Week Client Forum Americas, which drew senior executives to Bermuda in February, helps keep routes open.

“The additional American Airlines flight into JFK has made travel to the Big Apple and onwards on connecting flights far more conducive for business travel.”

The statement noted multiple steps that were taken over the last year to increase airlift, including meeting with local leaders and multiple airlines.