seasonal problem with air transport.

A lack of space on aircraft coming from the US has meant a delay for some post -- an issue which is out of the control of the Bermuda Post Office.

The headache means some mail is up to four days behind schedule and other post has been sent from America to Britain via British Airways, to circumvent the obstacle.

Continental is bringing mail from the United States via Newark Airport -- which cuts any delays to a day.

In addition, some mail is expected to be sent in a container on the Oleander , to arrive in Bermuda on December 21 -- giving the Post Office a race against time to have it delivered for Christmas Day.

Sinclair Swan, acting Assistant Postmaster for Airmail Facilities, said: "We have been doing our utmost to stay on top of it, the staff have been working very diligently to cope.'' The problem arises each year when the US carriers, in particular American Airlines and Delta, downsize their aircraft servicing Bermuda during winter months, he said.

It means they are unable to carry the mail as they normally do, and the US Post Office has to make alternative arrangements.

At the moment, British Airways has lent a hand, taking mail from New York to the UK, and back to Bermuda on its normal service.

Post Office officials are hoping it will continue and not be halted, as BA already brings in UK mail to the Island.

Mr. Swan said they would know soon after next Monday if mail is on the Oleander and would then pull out all the stops to try and deliver it before Christmas.

The problem arises every year and is expected to go back to normal in January.

It only affects incoming post from the US.