Services Bermuda Ltd. are being laid off due to the slump in the world's airline industry.

It has also been announced that BAS/ASB president Mr. Donald Hunter is retiring for the second time in May, 1994.

Chairman of the Board Mr. Neville Conyers said: "BAS/ASB has no choice but to follow the courage set by the airlines and other related companies within the industry of making changes to ensure that BAS/ASB weather their current storm.'' Although about 60 BAS/ASB staff have been laid off over the last three years due to the downturn in air travel, senior management has not been affected until now.

Mr. Hunter said: "The directors felt that a lot of soldiers have gone and it was time for some of the generals to go as well.

"They decided it was time to downsize senior management to match the downsizing of the company as a whole.'' He would not release the names or positions of those being made redundant to protect their privacy.

Mr. Hunter, 49, who has suffered heart problems for several years, will remain on the Board of Directors after his retirement and act as a consultant to the company.

He has retired before but was called back to head BAS/ASB again in 1987 at the request of the airlines.

"I'm going to return to my pre-retirement, retirement home in the North Georgia mountains and spend time with my grandchildren,'' said Mr. Hunter.

He will be replaced as president and CEO of BAS/ASB by Mr. E. Eugene Bean, who has been promoted to senior vice president and chief operating officer in preparation for becoming the company's new head.

BAS/ASB currently employs 200 people, although this figure goes up to about 300 during the summer.

Over the last three years, the firm has downsized considerably to concentrate more on the civil aviation side of its business.

It has parted with several of its interests, including its transportation and customs security screening division and shareholdings in Bermuda Island Cruises local tour boat company and Halmar travel firm.

The company's services include in-flight catering, technical maintenance, cargo custom and ramp facilities and also the operation of a freight shed.