flights as the Government bids to unlock the skies.

But if the Island's traditional carriers turn down the opportunity to add extra services to their existing routes, then new airlines will be invited to "touch down''.

And Terry West, chairman of the Air Transport Policy Review committee which produced the ground-breaking report on the possible future of Bermuda's air links, believes the freedom of the skies could become reality in months.

"We are trying to convince existing carriers that we need more flights,'' he said. "We are going to meet with them to try and convince them that we need more capacity.

"We are giving first bid to these people who have served us well and we have a good relationship.'' But Mr. West warned if those airlines refused then the door would open for other carriers.

Airline prices to and from Bermuda are seen as artificially high and lack of capacity is said to be strangling the tourism industry.

Miami, the West Coast, Washington, Pittsburgh and other Eastern Seaboard cities could become linked with the Island in the future.

He said that they would be sensitive in dealing with their traditional carriers, but added: "We have to be doing what is in the best interests of Bermuda, trying to build more gateways and lower prices.

"When those airlines say they are doing their best, they are doing their best for themselves, to increase their share value -- they are not trying to do the best for Bermuda.'' Any negotiations to open up the skies have to be conducted via the British Government with the US.

Bermuda Director of Civil Aviation Herman Tucker said once the Government had given authorisation for the report's recommendations, then a team could be assembled from Bermuda who would take part in negotiations with the Americans, along with British officials.

The eventual aim of the plan is to increase visitor numbers to 400,000 a year and go head-to-head with the Caribbean. Currently the Island is 84,000 short of the target -- but the knock-on effect would be cheaper flights for residents.

"Right now prices to and from Bermuda are high compared to other flights of similar length, and other destinations, we know that fact,'' said Terry West.

He cited an example where an American could have a week's holiday in Florida for less than the price of a just a flight to Bermuda. "We are the expensive option,'' he said.

"Prices are higher than the competition. That is because the airlines' fly full here and get high fares, so why reduce them?''