Airport aims to land big carriers

Airport officials are hoping to attract more airlines

Officials at South Yorkshire's airport are hoping to attract major airlines to the site and have said they are talking to several operators.

Although the Robin Hood Airport is losing about £1m a month, the airport's director has said he is confident the situation will be turned around.

Director Mike Morton said senior staff were in negotiations with airlines other than budget carriers.

"There are [aviation] people out there who are very interested," he said.

"There are airlines that we're talking with, our aviation director is in negotiation with those airlines.

"It would be too early to actually mention them, but there are people out there who are very, very interested.

"We're not just talking about the low-cost carriers, we're talking about the legacy carriers as well."

Mr Morton said that while the airport was running at a loss, the company was there for the long run.

"The airport has achieved over three million passengers and freight has been over 5,000 tonnes.

"Although I've been quoted as regards not being concerned about the £1m a month loss, it is a concern.

"However, this is a huge investment, this is a £150m invested in Robin Hood Airport. That's not going to make a return overnight, so we're here for the long stay."