Bermuda is to send a top level delegation to an airline conference in a bid to lure new carriers to the Island.

Government officials and Ministers are to attend the forum in London which will bring them into direct contact with airlines -- and a golden opportunity to sell Bermuda.

Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown will lead the group, which will also include aviation and tourism officials, which will head to England in September.

The Island has not been represented at the Airline Route Conference for a few years and this year is seen as a great chance to network with airlines, following on from recent moves to give Bermuda more autonomy in the air.

The changes gave the Government the authority to press for charter flights, particularly from Europe.

And as it bids for more freedom with scheduled flights, the conference will enable the delegates to show airlines the benefits of flying to the Island.

Tulinda Larsen, airline consultant to Bermuda, said the two day event allowed destinations to make several hours of presentations to top marketing executives from airlines.

And her company, Back Aviation Solutions, provides the back-up data for the Bermuda delegation to really sell the carriers on the Island.

"With airlines, we do their work for them. It makes it easier for them to consider it,'' she said.

Joining Dr. Brown will be Transport Permanent Secretary Herman Tucker, Civil Aviation head Ian MacIntyre, Airport General Manager Marshall Minors and a Tourism Department representative.

Bermuda has also set its sights on a flight from Florida next year. Miami is the preferred gateway, enabling passengers to connect from other destinations.

Ms Larsen said the Island was also targetting low-cost carriers, providing education on Customs pre-clearance, which she said is a big plus point.

Leading the pack: Transport minister Dr. Ewart Brown AIRLINES AIRPLANES FLY