And a second flight from Atlanta may be on the cards, Tourism Minister David Dodwell revealed yesterday.

He was speaking after meeting with seven air carriers -- four regular visitors and three possible future additions.

Mr. Dodwell met with top ranked representatives of Continental Airlines, American Airlines, US Airways and Delta Airlines and Southwest, Atlantic Coast and Legend Airlines.

He addressed the role airlines had to play in the Island's plans and why Bermuda deserved more flights to fulfil the demands of the US market place which accounts for about 80 percent of the Island's tourism business.

The airlines expressed their understanding of Bermuda's needs and proved to be very receptive to the Island's new marketing -- including Radio Bermuda, newspaper ads and direct marketing -- and some had agreed to sign on, said Mr.

Dodwell.

Meanwhile, their focus was on profit maximisation for each route and the challenge they faced was more customers than available aircraft.

He disclosed that Delta Airlines had denied a request for a second flight out of Atlanta to the Island because load factors did not justify the use of the aircraft.

However it was considering a flight from another US destination which would stop in Atlanta on the way to the Island. The airlines also noted that their equipment needs should be met by the year 2000.

And if there were additional hotel rooms in Bermuda -- through proposed developments at the former Club Med site in St. George's, Daniel's Head and Par-La-Ville car park -- they would be forced to put extra seat capacity on the Bermuda runs.

In addition, airlines also pointed out that longer hotel packages could bring fares down. Four or five night packages through the week could be coupled with lower airfares as they would not attract travellers on business.

Shorter packages during the week were jumped on by international business people so it was not worth the airlines lowering ticket prices substantially.

Mr. Dodwell said he was also looking into investing public and private sector funds into marketing airlines.