The airport needs to start one new route every year

Consultants Vector have advised offering staff voluntary redundancy to help save �1.5m in operating costs.

The airport also needs to start more routes and increase the amount of money earned from retail, Vector said.

Officials will now review the plan, which has been backed by the minister responsible for the airport.

Vector's report said the airport would be insolvent by 2008 unless action was taken.

There is no question of compulsory redundancy included in the programme Deputy Alan Maclean

The company said staff numbers and operating costs needed to be reduced.

Deputy Alan Maclean, the airport minister, said it was not yet clear how many people would be affected.

"We are looking at voluntary redundancies and possibly redeployment.

"It is a voluntary process and I would like to emphasis that. There is no question of compulsory redundancy included in the programme."

A union spokesman said they would be taking a wait-and-see approach as the report was reviewed, but would be concerned if voluntary redundancies resulted in the remaining staff being overworked.

More destinations

The plan calls for the introduction of one new destination every year and three European destinations within five years.

To end the firm's reliance on landing fees, the report recommends increasing the amount of money the airport earns from retail.

Currently 80% of its income is from landing fees and 20% from other sources, including retail. The report recommends aiming for a 65/35% split instead.

Vector, which has worked with various UK airports, began the review in 2005.