A representative of Michigan-based Spirit Airlines arrived in Bermuda yesterday for talks with Tourism Ministry officials.

Spirit's general council Mark Kahan was a guest of travel wholesaler TNT Vacations which celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Haley Corporation last night.

Mr. Kahan told The Royal Gazette that while here he had arranged to meet with Tourism director Gary Phillips and other Tourism staff.

He said he would be presenting Spirit's plans and further details about flights to the Island from Atlantic City.

However Mr. Kahan said he doubted he would speak with Tourism Minister David Dodwell today although they met briefly last night at TNT's reception.

Spirit is expected to begin its service between Atlantic City and Bermuda -- its first international destination -- on March 1, 1998 following three postponements.

It was first scheduled to begin servicing the Island on May 15 but this became June 12 and then June 26.

Mr. Kahan added that he would also be meeting with TNT representatives this morning to map out Spirit plans.

He noted that Spirit and TNT had worked together in the past but declined to say what packages would be offered to visitors coming to the Island next year.

Spirit had a whole set of packages set up for this year, he continued, but these would have to be revised following the postponement of the airline's service to the Island.

Mr. Kahan said last night's reception proved to be a good experience as it provided him with the chance to speak with a variety of different people in the industry.

Spirit expected two thirds of its business to come from people travelling to the Island, he added.

However the airline believed it would get a sizable percentage of its business from Bermudians taking advantage of the new service.

Government was not consulted on Spirit's plans to fly into Bermuda as the company got approval from US and UK authorities before Bermuda was notified.

TOURISM TOU