managers refused to renew the lease.

The room was previously used as an executive departure lounge for Government Ministers, but the airline took it over around eight years ago because the United Bermuda Party administration was not using the facility.

Airport general manager Marshall Minors could not explain why the lease had been cancelled, or what the lounge will be used for in the future.

Last night Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown said it had not been decided what the room would be used for, adding that it and other areas were part of a review of space utilisation at the airport.

But he did hint there was a possibility of a future area for receiving foreign dignitaries, which also could be used by Ministers departing overseas.

American Airlines' local manager Carole DeCouto confirmed that they stopped using the lounge on December 31 because the Department of Airport Operations would not renew the lease.

She said: "We were leasing the space from Airport Operations and have done for about eight years and we were given notice that the lease would not be renewed.'' She added that The Royal Gazette would have to speak to Airport Operations to find out what will happen to the lounge.

The lounge can seat about 20 people and has toilets and a small bar.

Mrs. DeCouto added: "It was a Government VIP lounge, but (former Premier) Sir John Swan never used it. He would just walk through and shake hands with people, so we asked if we could lease it.'' Airport Operations manager Marshall Minors said he could not disclose why the lease had been terminated or what the lounge would be used for in the future.

He said he would need to speak to the Transport Permanent Secretary before commenting.

Mrs. DeCouto added: "I asked if we would be able to get space to build a lounge and they don't really have space up there to give us.'' The airline is considering what to do in the future about a lounge, she said.

Last night Dr. Ewart Brown said that discussions were taking place with the airlines on the use of available space at the Airport. He said all airlines, including American, were welcome to use areas, providing they were consistent with the upscale image of the Island.

He said American Airline's lease was simply not renewed and a new use had not yet been finalised.

"We have just completed a major review of the airport utilisation of space.

Whatever way it is used, that area will become a truly first class lounge.

"Part of the plan includes having an area to receive foreign dignitaries,'' he added.

But Dr. Brown said the plan had never categorised the area as a "Ministers lounge'', although he admitted the space could also be used for that purpose.

The Minister said he hoped all the airlines would take advantage of the new Longbird Lounge. A decision on the use of the lounge is expected by the end of March.