Bermuda's newest air service to the US was inaugurated this afternoon, with the early arrival of AirTran Airways flight 1812 from Baltimore-Washington International Airport.The connection will be serving Bermuda daily for the next six months, with an Atlanta connection joining it on May 26.The blue and white Boeing 737 700 landed at 3.40pm to a water salute from fire trucks out on the runway of LF Wade International Airport, and 87 people disembarked at gate six - including the H and H gombey troupe, who performed at the US gate, and Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Kim Wilson.LF Wade International Airport general manager Aaron Adderley introduced the reception at the first class lounge."What a wonderful day," Mr Adderley said. "It makes me so happy to see that aircraft land."Acting Minister of Transport Michael Weeks welcomed AirTran of behalf of Bermuda, telling the company's senior director of polanning John Kirby: "This is the start of a relationship that will bear fruit for all parties involved."Mr Adderley called today "the first time Bermuda has welcomed a new carrier that's introduced not only one new flight, but two in its first year".According to Mr Kirby, establishing the connection was "not a race, but a marathon" going back ten years.He said bookings for the flight - which has a capacity for 137 - were in line with expectations. AirTran may expand its schedule of flights to the Island, but for now the Baltimore flights should continue through October 24, with the Atlanta flights ending the day after the US Labour Day holiday.Asked if a New York connection was anticipated for Bermuda, Mr Kirby said New York was already fairly well served from the Island, but that AirTran's Atlanta connection would serve as a gateway to cities throughout the US for Bermudian travellers.