In line with company-wide cuts, Northwest Airlines has made dramatic reductions to the cost of its once-a-day flights into and out of Bermuda.

Cuts are estimated to be up to 40 percent for Bermudians heading for Boston and visitors coming into the country.

And manager at Northwest in Bermuda, Mr. Ron Kattawar is hoping the cuts will help to boost the local economy.

Mr. Kattawar believes other airlines will follow suit as a result of the Northwest reductions.

The new cost of a round-trip flight to Boston will be $187 plus tax.

Other prices quoted by Mr. Kattawar were $373 to Seattle, $360 to Los Angeles and $316 for the popular shoppers' trip to Minneapolis to the Mall of America.

Mr. Kattawar added: "It's at least 40 percent for us. It is a major price cut. Some markets have got a little less but Bermuda has major cuts. It is very exciting.

"We began in Bermuda in 1991 as Northwest Airlines and prices have never been as low as today.'' The cuts were announced in the United States on Sunday.

Many of the nation's airlines, facing competition from low-cost competitors and small, regional carriers, announced fare cuts earlier this spring to draw passengers.

Northwest, a subsidiary of NWA Corp., said the lower fares were good for travel in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean (excluding Puerto Rico) and to Cancun, Mexico.

The fares will be valid between May 18 and September 12. Tickets will be available for sale beginning today, and must be purchased by April 27, Northwest said.

Tickets must be purchased at least 30 days prior to travel and most destinations require a Saturday night stay. The tickets are non-refundable.

Mr. Kattawar said: "It will mean many Bermudians who have been unable to travel to the United States in the past will now be able to afford to go there.''