British Airways' Bermuda/London route is exceeding expectations and plans are in the works for daily flights to the UK to become a reality, said BA's general manager for the Americas region, Jamie Cassidy.

Meanwhile, Government is presently in talks with an undisclosed airline about the possibility of establishing a twice-a-week service from Europe to the Island.

But Mr. Cassidy said: "We are the European airline. Gone are the days when a UK airline flying through Gatwick could not connect with major European cities. We are now connected with Europe through Gatwick.

"From a business perspective, Bermuda is linked with London and Gatwick is a key hub with significant European access. By BA increasing its frequency, it will make it easier to get from the continent to the Island.'' London Gatwick's North Terminal is BA's fastest growing hub, explained communications' manager Laura de Vere, and the airport was the busiest single runway operation in the world.

"British Airways introduced 60 new routes between 1995 and 1998 and almost doubled its annual passenger throughput at the airport to over 9 million -- including partners flying in BA colours.

"Together with its seven partner airlines -- Air Liberte, Brymon Airways, British Regional Airlines, CityFlyer, Deutsche BA, GB Airways and AML -- British Airways serves a total of 121 cities in 66 countries.'' Mr. Cassidy noted BA had pumped a great deal of cash into its flights between London Gatwick and Bermuda.

"In the last nine to 12 months we have seen quite a remarkable investment on the London Gatwick-to-Bermuda route.

"The DC-10s were taken off the route and replaced with the 777 which increased capacity about 50 percent.

"We also introduced our new World Traveller product and opened the new business lounges in the Bermuda Airport. Meanwhile, the Hamilton sales' office is also being refurbished.

"At this end of the route, we have revamped our pavilion of lounges which we offer our customers. We have invested quite a lot and seen a good return.'' Mr. Cassidy pointed out that a good return on the investment was key because British Airways was a business.

And this had to be considered when critics blasted the airline for the expense of the Bermuda-London service.

"We offer a high quality service and continually re-invest in it.'' Because of the good return on its investment, BA is considering increasing its service to the Island to meet the needs of its customers.

"The fourth flight will return this summer and our vision is to move to a daily frequency.

"We are conscious of the growing influence of Bermuda as an insurance centre and business market and recognise that the type of tourist which travels there is fairly independent -- they both want to go when they want to go.''