outrageous Government fees imposed on incoming flights at the airport.

Mr. Donald Hunter, president of Bermuda Aviation Services and Aircraft Services Bermuda, told Hamilton Rotarians yesterday that Government's role in local aviation management must change if the Airport is to run more efficiently.

"Bermuda is too expensive, the Airport operation is too expensive and our numbers (of flights) are declining, not increasing,'' he said.

"The typical cost of a 250-passenger airplane to land in Bermuda is $1,178 with only $135 to the Naval Air Station for landing fees and the remainder being load fees, screening fees and terminal fees. This does not include office space rented by the airlines, us or our charges.'' Mr. Hunter called for the removal of Government duties on all airport related equipment and food items used for outbound flights' meals.

He said they were contrary to International Civil Aviation Organisation regulations stating that no nation should charge duty on special equipment needed to operate an international airport.

Bermuda is an ICAO member through the United Kingdom.

He also insisted Government should do away with the price controls placed on Bermuda Aviation Services' terminal restaurant and bars.

Mr. Hunter said an international consulting firm had "stressed the importance of concessionaires at airports to help reduce future airport operating costs''.

Pointing out that BAS/ASB paid Government almost $500,000 in rent and another $1,010,000 in taxes and permits in 1991, Mr. Hunter said the companies were the largest tenants at the Airport.

"Without BAS/ASB as a private company, the Bermuda Government would have to take over many of the operations we currently provide.

"I can state this based on actual occurrences in other airports, especially in the Islands throughout the Caribbean where we have been asked to come and provide this service.'' BAS/ASB provides airlines with every service or product they need such as catering, freight and baggage handling, aircraft maintenance and passenger service. If BAS/ASB does not or cannot supply the required goods, arrangements are made to have it done by another firm.

Restrictions on airport advertisements were also criticised by Mr. Hunter, who said the British Airports Authority recently signed a multi-million pound advertising agreement to ease its operating costs.

He also suggested the formation of an independent airport authority to improve communication within the airport to "speed up rental agreements, long term leases and to enforce agreements in place without the political pressure from Government''.

Mr. Hunter said he and BAS believe "an airport authority needs to be set up to control and maintain the airport.

"Major thought should be given to helping the airlines and BAS/ASB during downturns in business to ensure continuation of service to Bermuda. We feel that an airport authority would and could reduce total operating cost.''