The Premier said yesterday he wanted to renegotiate the project agreement for the airport to put its revenues and profits back into Bermudian hands.

But David Burt said that discussions could not be held until the airport, constructed through a public-private partnership, was completed.

Mr Burt said: “The airport is currently in the hands of Aecon and Canadian Commercial Corporation.

“After the budget is completed, there may be opportunity for there to be negotiation discussions for it to come back into Bermudian hands.

“That is the long-term objective of the Government of Bermuda and so that is the direction in which we want to go.

“I want us to own our airport. That doesn’t mean that Skyport may not exist, but the fact is that the revenue and profits accruing, I would prefer for those to accrue here versus overseas. There can be no discussions on that until the airport is completed. I think the substantial completion was expected around now.”

The airport is being built in a public-private deal with Canadian construction company Aecon, the CCC and the Bermuda Government.

Lawrence Scott, the chairman of the Bermuda Airport Authority, said the PLP’s platform launch earlier this week: “The airport authority is aware of the Government’s vision regarding the future of the airport.

“However, we are bound and guided by the project agreement between the airport authority and Skyport/Aecon.

“As it stands today, the Government’s options, through the airport authority, are limited to the possibility that Aecon may sell their interest in Skyport to a qualified Bermudian investor.

“Should this happen, the airport authority must consent to the change in ownership.”