Island by providing early morning delivery of major newspapers.

IBC NewsFlite, a proposed new company, would have copies of four national newspapers landed in Bermuda by 5.30 a.m. and delivered to hotels, guest houses and cottage colonies by 7.30 a.m.

The service would also end years of complaints by businessmen unable to get a complete copy of an American or British newspaper until late in the day.

Business houses would also have access to the newspapers at the start of the day at 8 a.m.

The idea for the new service was first presented to International Bonded Couriers of Bermuda Ltd. president, Mr. Glen Smith, by Mr. Christopher Spurling.

They have already begun canvassing various groups in an attempt to determine interest in receiving first edition copies of the USA Today, New York Times, Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times.

Mr. Smith said the response has been positive so far.

He said: "We are still testing the market. We still have to find out if there really is enough interest there. If it is to go ahead, I would like to see it up and running by the middle of May.

"We are still talking to a number of people including international firms, hotels and some retail outlets.

"Our main objective is to fly the newspapers in for business, hotels and the public. But you can't just fly in newspapers. So we are talking to some people in the wholesale food and retail business to see if they would be able to guarantee space for their products Monday to Friday.

"Although we would like to dovetail the operation to benefit a number of groups which would wish to import merchandise, we are yet to determine the real demand, although, as I say, we are encouraged.'' The company would plan to fly the four publications, and other magazines and periodicals by special arrangement, together with other merchandise, to the Island aboard a privately chartered aircraft that would leave the New York area at about 2 a.m.

A circular proposing the service was sent out this month saying it could deliver "News when it's still news''.

It argued: "For the business traveller, receiving current issues of US daily newspapers raises their impression of Bermuda as a sophisticated business location.

"Previous day financial closing prices and business news become available at the same time as readers on the Eastern seaboard.

"For the US vacationer, the opportunity to read that day's domestic news in a relaxed frame of mind, and with the time to appreciate the editorial content is often considered a real luxury.'' The company commits that IBC NewsFlite will deliver within an agreed time frame every weekday, subject to weather and technical considerations. But in return, a commitment from the guest properties would be needed to make the charter economically feasible.

They said: "We have developed a menu of prices designed to give you the maximum ordering flexibility. Although we will use a dedicated charter service, the extra cost compared with current local rates for late afternoon delivery is very small.''