Airport chiefs yesterday shot down fears that a new airport base for executive jets was destined to be run by an overseas company.

Transport Minister Wayne Furbert said: "There is no doubt, at the end of the day, there are Bermudian firms qualified and most likely they will end up with the work.'' He was speaking after some aviation experts predicted that the executive aircraft handling facility would be run from abroad, probably by a Canadian company.

Department of Airport Operations chief Jack Gordon declined to say how many firms had applied for the work.

He said: "We have received some letters of interest but we haven't gone through any kind of evaluation process as yet.

But he added: "We have expressions of interest from Bermudian companies and companies outside of Bermuda with Bermudian connections.'' And he confirmed SERCO -- the firm Government signed a five-year contract with to run the airport after the US Navy pulled out of the Island last year -- had not expressed an interest.

He said: "SERCO don't do that kind of thing -- there are specialists who are in the business of providing services for operators of executive jets.'' Government wants to develop the old NATO aircraft hangar on the former baselands as a custom-designed terminal for the private jet market.

The operators would fuel jets, handle catering and carry out minor repairs and maintenance, as well as handling immigration and customs for VIP passengers.

Mr. Gordon said airport chiefs were committed to providing opportunities for Bermudians and cutting the burden on taxpayers imposed since Government took over the airport.

But he said: "If Bermudians entirely and wholly did everything, we would be delighted. But the real world is that there are certain people who have expertise where that expertise doesn't exist in Bermuda.

"But if we can do it with Bermudians, we certainly will. We would be looking at what would be the best for Bermudians in general.'' A 43-page tender document costing $100 laid out Government's ideas on the executive jet facility. It covers the tendering and the contract proposals and gives instructions on the financial standing expected of tendering companies.

It is understood BAS, which currently provides services for scheduled airliners, has tendered for the work.

A company insider said: "It would be particularly unfortunate if this was to go overseas, particularly when Government is pushing Bermudianisation.

"And we have the capability. The mechanical needs of these aircraft are virtually nil. Most of them are here for less than a day, except for those based here.''