transformed into "a showcase'' for what the Country offers, the new general manager said yesterday.

Mr. Jack Gordon has arrived from Canada along with the Airport's new operations manager Mr. John Williams and financial comptroller Ms Donna Grapko.

Mr. Gordon said the team from the Canadian company YVR, here on a one-year, $616,000 contract, is on the Island to ease the transition from US Navy to Bermudian control of the Airport.

"We realise that Bermuda is for Bermudians, and we'd like to really make Bermuda Airport a showpiece, if we could, for Bermuda,'' Mr. Gordon said yesterday. The Airport should "contribute to the enhancement of Bermuda's image from the time that people arrive to the time that they depart.'' YVR is the company that runs Vancouver International Airport Authority, which has been hailed as a success story.

Two of the five top management posts -- air terminal manager and facilities manager -- are to go directly to Bermudians. And Bermudian understudies are to work with the three Canadians. Selections will be made for those posts by June 1, when Bermuda assumes control from the US Navy, Mr. Gordon said.

If need be, there are clauses in Government's contract with the Canadians for one or two-year extensions.

"One of our first tasks will be to provide an in-depth analysis of the total cost of running the Airport and what the US Navy is doing,'' Mr. Gordon said.

"We'll pull all that together and look at opportunities to make the Airport economically viable.'' Another key would be bringing in the right Bermudians and systems for efficient operation. "Bermuda Airport is an integral part of the delivery system for a large part of the Country's Gross National Product,'' he said.

"It has to be efficient, safe, and customer-oriented.'' Mr. Gordon, who is in his 50s and from Vancouver, has 25 years experience in the airline industry, including stints with Wardair Canada from 1979 to 1991 and with CP Air from 1968 to 1979.

His responsibilities have included negotiating contracts, and managing operating and capital budgets.

As well as having planned refugee airlifts in Vietnam and Uganda, Mr. Gordon has worked in Europe, the Mideast, India, Mexico, and Australia.

Mr. Gordon has also held posts with Trans-Australian Airlines and British Airways.

Since leaving Wardair, Mr. Gordon had worked as an aviation consultant and conducted studies related to airline operational issues at various international airports.

Mr. Gordon said he has especially fond memories of his years with Wardair, which were "a daily challenge'' with "long hours.'' "We were looking for opportunities to make money,'' and making deals around the world, he said. "It was pretty exciting.'' NEW DIGS -- Airport general manager Mr. Jack Gordon.