From next Thursday private jet passengers can pre-clear US customs before heading to the States just like their counterparts on commercial aircraft.

Premier Ewart Brown announced that a letter of intent, signed with the US last June, will soon become a formal agreement offering a service only Ireland, Aruba and the Bahamas can match.

It means that private jets heading for smaller airports don't have to detour to larger hubs for long waits to complete customs and immigration formalities.

Explaining why this was a significant development Dr. Brown said on Wednesday: "We live in a time of heightened tourism competition, particularly among affluent travellers.

"My friends in the hospitality industry know very well that discerning travellers want to feel as if the destination they have chosen provides every possible convenience."

The Premier said that in 1974, Bermuda was one of the first countries selected by the United States to usher in pre-clearance for commercial passengers.

"Bermuda is once again in a position to provide a convenience few others can match.

"When this new agreement is fully enacted, the passengers and crew on board private jets leaving Bermuda for the United States will no longer need to clear customs when the flight lands.

"It is a major selling point for us in terms of tourism and it doesn't hurt our attractiveness as an international business destination either.

"Although this transport development directly affects 2,500 to 3,000 flights a year, it indirectly affects us all."

US Consul General Gregory Slayton said the deal had been almost two years in the making and he thanked Governor Sir Richard Gozney in pushing it along when things got sticky, as well as Premier Brown.