YOU might expect airline seats from Bermuda to be heavily booked before Christmas - and they are. But it may come as a surprise to learn that just about every economy class seat from Bermuda to England after Christmas has been sold, right through to January 11, 2003.

British Airways reports that its coach class seats are essentially full, both to and from Bermuda, from December 14 until January 11. First class and business class seats are available on most flights.

"Everybody has to be back where they belong for the first day of work after the New Year holiday, or the start of the school term," Philip Troake, BA's manager in Bermuda, explained.

"For visitors to Bermuda, that means flying back to the UK in time for the start of their new year, exactly as Bermudians have to be back here for their 2003. We're kept pretty busy at this time of year."

Having economy class full both ways into the New Year is "normal for us", Mr. Troake said. "The first half of December and the period after about January 11 are not especially busy, but the Christmas period usually sees our planes flying full in economy class in both directions."

Bookings for this year and the first part of January were "pretty much going to pattern", Mr. Troake said.

Reservations and travel statistics were similar to last year, even though last year was blighted by the terror attacks of September 11, and the airline industry had subsequently suffered a dramatic slump from which, overall, it was yet to recover.

"There was a dip right after September 11, 2001, obviously," Mr. Troake said.

"Strict comparisons are hard to make between this year and last, though," Mr. Troake said, "because last year, we lost one flight right after September 11. Also, we had six flights a week to and from London on the 767.

"People liked the frequency, but as you may recall, they told us they did not like the plane, so I find it ironic when people talk to me about frequency."

The BA manager said British Airways was on track for its three-year staff reduction programme, but that it would have no effect locally.

"We did cut some people here in the early 1990s after we stopped providing service beyond Bermuda to the south. We now have a very healthy mix between full- and part-time staff."

Mr. Troake did not have much to say on the subject of proposed new airline routes to Europe from Bermuda.

"Our attitude is that we welcome competition, which we have in most of our markets.

"We are interested, of course, to find out the details of the new proposal, and who the people behind it may be.

"Beyond that, there really isn't much to say."