Even poor weather couldn't cool the spirits of Tourism officials, on hand yesterday at the International Airport to welcome the inaugural flight of American Airlines new Boston-Bermuda service.

American now joins Delta in providing the only regularly scheduled air link to the New England metropolis. USAir abandoned the route last year, citing "business exigencies''.

As American's flight 897 taxied to a stop, 103 passengers -- including Minister of Tourism David Dodwell resplendent in bright-yellow Bermuda shorts -- deplaned to a rousing welcome from St. George's Town Crier Richard Alsom and a small gathering of politicians, Airport staff and media.

The new link, said Mr. Dodwell, represented a win-win situation for American and the Island. As the carrier adds more seating capacity, Bermuda further enhances its profile along the American seaboard.

"We're delighted to be here,'' American's area sales manager for Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont, Kathy Bagley, yesterday told The Royal Gazette .

American plans to operate the service seven days per week, with arrivals into Bermuda at 11.45 a.m. and departures at 1.50 p.m., she said. "It's the perfect schedule for the business traveller,'' added American's area sales manager for New Hampshire, Nicola DelPeschio.

The service also coincides with a $500,000 cooperative marketing effort involving Island hotels, American travel wholesalers, and the Department of Tourism, said Mr. Dodwell. The push includes a media blitz throughout the New England market.

"There will also be a special marketing programme for the business leisure traveller,'' added Mr. Dodwell. "We're saying `come down and do your business but bring along the family and have a little fun as well'.'' And with two airlines now competing on the Bermuda-Boston run, said one observer, travellers could possibly benefit with lower airfares. Delta and American both offer mid-week return fares to Boston running as low as $199.95, taxes included. Weekend rates on both carriers can be had for $227.95, taxes included.

Meanwhile credit for the new service lies with the Department of Tourism's Paul Zar and Toby Dillas, who worked tirelessly for six months to find a replacement for USAir, said Mr. Dodwell.