Airport into the 21st Century.

More than 30 fresh projects have been outlined to improve facilities at the airport -- as well as a longer-term plan to introduce "air bridge'' tubes taking passengers directly onto planes.

The Bermuda Weather Centre will be moved from its present location at the end of this year's hurricane season.

And the entire airport terminal is being scheduled to be rebuilt around the year 2020.

But airport chiefs hope the majority of the improvements will be in place within seven or eight years.

The airport is already nearing the end of a $20 million regeneration programme, which has seen improvements to the departure and arrivals area and baggage hall -- as well as a "Bermudianised'' facelift for the airport.

General Manager Jack Gordon unveiled the latest plans to revamp the airport for The Royal Gazette yesterday.

He said: "First of all, we have to finish off resurfacing the runway which we will do around this time each year until around 2001.

"We're doing it in stages and that alone is a $5-million project.

"Then we have to rehabilitate the cargo terminal and we're working with Customs so people can get a much better service.

"We're putting in new facilities in the departures checking-in area, including new flooring.

"And then we're hoping to implement the common-user terminal computer check-in system, so different airlines can use the same desks.

"That would increase our airline throughput capacity by around 30 percent.'' Mr. Gordon said Transport Minister Wayne Furbert and Tourism Minister David Dodwell were already working to secure new air services for Bermuda.

"One of our biggest immediate plans is to move the meteorological office onto a hillside at the north end of the runway later this year,'' he added.

"It's currently in the Ground Electronic Services building but that's too large and there's a lot of redundant space.

"The building itself would be vulnerable if there was a serious hurricane.

"And we need to invest more money in foreshore protection, to safeguard the taxiways and runway.'' Airport planners say sky's the limit "The airport could still be flooded by a hurricane storm surge from the south, through Castle Harbour.

"All these projects are in the preliminary stages and not all of the funding is secured.

"But it's about forward-planning and making sure we have an international airport fit for the next century.

"We want most of these things to be nearing completion within the next seven to eight years.'' Mr. Gordon said equipment at the Weather Centre would also be upgraded.

And he also revealed a first floor patio could be built outside the US departures lounge, to allow outgoing passengers a drinking and smoking area with airfield views.

"We need to develop all of our concessions at the airport,'' said Mr. Gordon.

"People think about the time they spend here and it's their first and last impression of Bermuda. We need to make sure it's enjoyable and hassle-free.

"We're already considering new, safer ways of transporting passengers between the aircraft and terminals.

"There is a plan for air bridges but that may come around 20 years down the line, when the terminal is in line to be rebuilt.

"That alone is a $17 million project so that would take some extra planning.'' Transport Minister Wayne Furbert welcomed the new plans to remodel Bermuda's airport on some of the world's best.

And he said he hoped the air bridges could be in place even before the 2020 outline date.

But the Minister also said the airport may have to look to the private sector to secure some of its funding.

"I hope we can get passengers straight into the terminals from planes before 2020,'' he added.

"We should at least start a feasibility study into that. But we are definitely coming of age as an international airport.

"Mr. Dodwell is now speaking to existing airlines about cheaper air fares.

There are also plans to speak to other airlines about the possibility of coming to Bermuda.

"And our aim of increasing passenger capacity by 30 percent is still very much at the forefront. But the airport cannot rely on Government and it may have to look at borrowing from the private sector for some of its funding.

Other than that, it's all systems go.''