Premier Ewart Brown has announced he is "cautiously confident" that flights from Miami to Bermuda can be stepped up following a meeting with an American Airlines boss.

Dr. Brown discussed the Island's relationship with the air company in a meeting with senior vice president Peter Dolara in Miami yesterday. Aaron Adderley, general manager of Bermuda International Airport, was also present.

"I came out of the meeting optimistic that our relationship with American Airlines will remain solid and am cautiously confident that we will see increased frequency of service out of Miami to Bermuda," said Dr. Brown, who is also Bermuda's Tourism Minister.

He added: "We also discussed the potential that lies in the South American market which feeds into North America by way of Miami."

Today, the Premier will be joined by Ministry of Transport Consultant Larry Jacobs in a meeting with officials of Norwegian Cruise Line.

On Saturday, Dr. Brown will continue his trip by flying to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he will meet overseas students.