Cornwall Council has welcomed today’s announcement from the Government that it will provide a financial guarantee for the full four year duration of the Public Service Obligation 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 Public Service Obligation 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. “

Chris Pomfret, chairman of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership, said “Direct air links to a London hub airport are a critical part of our transport connectivity, the importance of which has been highlighted by the recent disruption to rail services.

"This commitment from government that funding will be available for the full duration of a four-year PSO beyond the lifetime of the current Parliament is welcome news and something we have pressed for .

“What we must ensure now is that we secure an operator that can deliver a schedule that works for business.

Al Titterington, MD at Newquay Cornwall Airport 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”.