March -- boosting seat capacity by 50 percent.

But the airline may revert to the current twice weekly service the following winter.

Yesterday's announcement follows an impressive turnaround in BA's finances.

And it comes hot on the heels of the airline's Dan-Air deal last week.

This seems set to boost the number of European connections with Bermuda through Gatwick Airport.

In a further development, BA is planning a $750 million investment in USAir Group Inc.

It is believed Bermuda could reap long-term benefits if the deal goes ahead, with USAir possibly increasing flights to the Island.

A December 24 deadline has been fixed for the United States Government to approve the deal.

BA's regional manager for the Americas, Mr. Michael Batt, yesterday disclosed the airline was now marginally in profit on the London-Bermuda route.

Recently it had recorded losses of $9 million and a staggering $20 million.

Under the new schedule, from March 28 there will be flights each Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday between Bermuda and Gatwick Airport.

Mr. Phillip Troake, BA's local manager, said the timing of the flights would not be dramatically, or at all, changed.

BA will operate wide-body DC10 aircraft, featuring three classes of service.

Earlier this month it was revealed Bermuda had lost British tourists this summer because of insufficient flights to meet seat demand.

But with the extra flight seat capacity will be boosted from 460 to 690.

BA is the only airline flying direct between Bermuda and the United Kingdom.

A jubilant Mr. Batt said: "We are delighted at the support we have received this past summer with our two weekly flights.

"We are pleased to provide more capacity next year on the route.'' He added: "With the help of our Bermudian customers and staff we have managed to move the route from a loss-making to break-even situation.

"We believe the addition of a third service is a very positive move. However, we are aware that we need to work hard to ensure its future profitability and success.'' Mr. Batt said the extra flight would help boost the Island's tourism potential in Europe.

"We have been assured of the full support of the Ministry of Tourism and the people of Bermuda to make this third weekly service a success.'' Before yesterday's announcement, Mr. Batt met and briefed the Premier, the Hon. Sir John Swan, Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge, and Transport Minister the Hon. Ralph Marshall.

Neither Mr. Batt nor Mr. Troake would commit BA to continuing its extra flight after next summer.

But Mr. Troake pointed out: "If we do well next summer, I can't see any reason why we could not continue it further.'' Mr. Batt said BA was "very much a feet on the ground operation'', and decisions reflected the world's economic climate.

"We would urge everybody in Bermuda to continue supporting us. That way they can help us service this country.'' BA used to fly London-Bermuda six times a week, but this was slashed to four in May, 1991.

Since October, 1991, there have been only two flights a week -- on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

One reason for the route's previous poor performance was the high cost of flying on to Florida from Bermuda.

This service was scrapped last May as losses continued to pile up.

Mr. Michael Batt.