Wayne Furbert, the Minister of Transport, has met with Delta Air Lines to discuss potentially boosting air service to the island.

A government spokeswoman said Mr Furbert and other officials had visited the airline’s headquarters in Atlanta recently to discuss “potential expansion of service to Bermuda” and how to attract more visitors from Atlanta.

The spokeswoman added that the minister and Delta executives discussed visitor accommodations in Bermuda, with Mr Furbert highlighting the expected increase in hotel beds over the next two years.

Mr Furbert also reportedly noted that about 40 per cent of round-trip travel to and from the island is travel by residents going abroad, presenting an opportunity to build on the local market.

The minister said: “The discussion with Delta executives proved to be fruitful and validated the mutual understanding between the two parties regarding air service for Bermuda.

“We look forward to exploring further opportunities and strengthening our partnership to promote Bermuda as a premier travel destination.

“I sincerely thank Delta Air Lines for its commitment to remaining in the Bermuda market."

Mark Guishard, the chief administrative officer of the Bermuda Airport Authority and Brad DiFiore of Ailevon Pacific Consulting, air service development consultants to the BAA, also took part in the meeting.

Delta Air Lines has served Bermuda longer than any other US airline. It first offered flights to the island in 1972.

The airline flies Bermuda to Atlanta and Bermuda to New York.