Competition between two airline companies flying to Bermuda is heating up with both matching each other's $129 one-way flight prices and now the prospect of JetBlue Airways adding a further service from another gateway city has been hinted at by the company's chief executive David Neeleman.

Meanwhile American Airlines is trumpeting its new helicopter service from downtown New York direct to the JFK terminal where its Bermuda flights depart.

Tourism Minister Ewart Brown has long spoken of the need for competition on the Bermuda air routes to help drive down prices ? and that is what will happen during the peak summer months of 2006.

JetBlue was first to announce its $129 one-way deal but almost immediately American Airlines stated its intention to offer $129 tickets as well from May 4 to September 25 which it says is to mark the company's 30 years of continuous service to Bermuda.

But JetBlue may be about to up the ante as it prepares to reveal the destination of its new service from Boston, which will be its 20th route from the city.

Bermuda and Jacksonville, Florida are the two most hotly tipped destinations after JetBlue founder Mr. Neeleman said: "Anytime we add something out of New York it's a great candidate to add it out of Boston.?

He made his comment at the Boston Globe Travel Show, and while not revealing the actual destination of the soon to start Boston flight, the airline begins new services from JFK to Bermuda in May and another to Jacksonville the following month. Asked if either of these were the possible destination of the new service, Mr. Neeleman is reported to have said: ?Those are the most likely.?

Dr. Brown said: ?This story is consistent with what JetBlue has always told us.

?They have not communicated their final decision. We do know that even before we have launched our powerful marketing campaign in New York, JetBlue has received a huge response to their announced flights beginning May 4. All of this is good news for the consumer.?

He added: ?Bermuda is a great American Airlines destination. We are grateful for our wonderful relationship with Bermuda, and to the many loyal travellers who have chosen American to visit this unique location. The new low fares is our way of saying ?thank you?,? said Chuck Imhof, American Airlines? managing director for New York.

Passengers wishing to take advantage of American Airlines? $129 deal must book over the Internet and by April 4 at the latest. As an added facility American Airlines is starting a direct helicopter service from Manhattan Downtown Airport direct to the concourse at JFK?s terminal nine. In collaboration with US Helicopter passengers can book to fly direct to the terminal, going through security boarding checks at Manhattan Downtown Airport before reaching JFK. It is expected to be of particular attraction to business customers.