Direct flights to Chicago and Miami could become a reality for Bermuda next summer, Transport Minister Ewart Brown said yesterday.

During an update on his Ministry in the House of Assembly, he said he was eager to expand still further the choice of destinations to and from the Island and said both Miami and the Windy City were high on his agenda.

Dr. Brown said the direct flight to Fort Lauderdale had been a huge success this summer, proving profitable for the three-month trial period and operating with a 90 percent load in August.

He said not one penny of the limited revenue guarantee which Government provided as an incentive to US Airways was needed because the flight was so successful, and he said therefore the service would be resumed next summer.

?In addition, in our recent meetings with US Airways, we were pleased to learn that a second daily Philadelphia flight is planned next summer,? said Dr. Brown.

?We continue, as well, to meet with American Airlines with a view to achieving one of our most highly sought-after prizes. I am referring, of course, to the long coveted direct route from Bermuda to Miami. We are prepared to offer similar inducements to American for this non-stop route to commence in April 2004.

?Just last week, I met with United Airlines in Chicago to discuss a non-stop, weekly flight between Chicago and Bermuda next summer. I can report to the House that the initial reaction to this innovative proposal put forth by the Ministry of Transport was very encouraging and we are optimistic of adding the Windy City as a new, direct gateway for Bermuda International Airport.?

Dr. Brown also said American Airlines had announced it would continue to operate its second daily flight between Bermuda and JFK throughout the winter season, five days a week, except Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It arrives at 12.25 p.m. and returns at 1.50 p.m.

And the Transport Minister said he had also had meetings with Delta Airlines to discuss ways in which loads to Boston could be strengthened, and he said he was delighted British Airways would be offering a fifth direct flight to London every week starting next spring.

Dr. Brown told the House that Government had completed a two-year study of Bermuda?s commercial airline service and had developed an Air Services Strategy with specific targeted airlines and routes, which would guide Government policy in the next five years.

?The strategic objectives are: develop air service to a greater number of gateway cities, create closer partnerships with all airlines serving Bermuda, and seek reduced airfares, to make Bermuda a more attractive destination,? said Dr. Brown.

He said he would soon be introducing legislation to amend the Bermuda Air Terminal Regulations to provide for a limited time waiver of landing fees for new start-up airline services, as part of the incentives Government is prepared to offer to encourage new airlines to fly to the Island.

And he said it was also anticipated that the budget for the coming year would also enable Government to provide other revenue guarantees, for limited periods, to encourage new airline services.

He said the success of the Fort Lauderdale flight had proved that the incentive scheme not only worked, but did not need to cost Bermuda a penny.