Bermuda International Airport.

Work on renovating the Airport's arrivals and departures area, stairs and corridors is set to take off on October 1.

This week, Government called on would-be contractors to prove they are qualified to bid for the project.

A 12 July deadline has been fixed for prequalification documents to be sent to the Department of Airport Operations.

An advertisement in The Royal Gazette last week said prequalification criteria included experience with schemes of a similar size.

Others were experience with renovation, ability to deliver on time and within budget, and financial stability.

"Only prequalified contractors will be invited to submit tenders for this project,'' the ad said.

It added the successful tenderer would supervise specialist subcontractors.

Yesterday, Mr. Furbert said the project was part of a $6.5 million overhaul of the Airport.

It involved preparing the Airport for new concessions to be announced shortly.

A retail plan for the Airport includes creating new shops and an executive lounge for waiting businessmen, and boosting food and drink services.

By taking a share of revenues from retail sales at the new-look Airport, Government hopes to raise $650,000 a year -- more than double the present amount.

This will help cut the Airport's operating costs. Recently, a Press conference to announce those who will run Airport concessions was cancelled so the matter could be scrutinised in Parliament.

Yesterday, Mr. Furbert said he hoped an announcement could be made in October.

He pointed out proposed draft leases for the concessions would be tabled in the House of Assembly when MPs return in November.