spot have been grounded.

Spirit Airlines were planning to start service to Bermuda from Atlantic City next month.

However, Spirit spokesman Mark Kahan yesterday revealed: "The start-up has been postponed.'' He explained that domestic expansion by Spirit to take over routes vacated by Air South -- which went bankrupt -- had left the carrier with limited resources.

It was therefore putting off its plans for a Bermuda flight temporarily because it would be unable to do "a first-class job'', said Mr. Kahan.

In July Mr. Kahan announced that the carrier would start service on March 15 following meetings between him, US travel wholesalers and local tourism officials.

The Michigan-based airline planned to go after travellers in cities without non-stop service to Bermuda including Pittsburgh, Cleveland and its hometown of Detroit.

Spirit president Ned Homfeld chose Bermuda for his airline's first over-water run because he loved the Island. He used to sell the Island as a tour operator working in Boston.

The airline originally planned to launch its service earlier last year but had to postpone it on three occasions.

It intended to operate five flights per week to the Island with fares starting as low as $140 for one way travel.