Air link funding confirmed

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Cornwall Council has welcomed an announcement from the Government that it will provide a financial guarantee for the full four-year duration of the Public Service Obligation (PSO) for the Newquay to London air link.

Over the past few months the Council has been working with the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership and Cornwall’s six MPs to secure the long-term future of the vital air link.

The Department for Transport announced in November that the Newquay-London air route was eligible for a PSO and since then the Council has been working to develop tender documents inviting airlines to submit bids to operate the service in line with European procurement regulations.

“Today’s announcement from the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander is very good news for Cornwall and Newquay Cornwall Airport,” said Adam Paynter, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Partnerships.

“The Government’s decision to provide a financial guarantee for the full four-year period means that we can push ahead with the tendering process and ensure that the new service is in place by the autumn.”

Airport MD, Al Titterington, added: “The confirmation from the Treasury is welcomed and will allow the PSO process to continue with confidence now that the financial support from the Government is secure.”