The study will look at Exeter, Plymouth and Newquay airports

The South West Regional Development Agency (RDA) has appointed AviaSolutions to complete the study.

Work started on the project on Monday and the results of the investigation are due within two months.

The study will look at the future of air traffic at Exeter, Plymouth and Newquay airports.

'Overall objectives'

Sutton Harbour Holdings' plan for a new airport in the South Hams will also be considered.

The company has proposed building houses on the sites of both Plymouth and Exeter airports and using the income to fund a new larger airport east of Plymouth in the South Hams to cater for the region.

The study is being carried out on behalf of the RDA in partnership with the Regional Assembly, Government Office for the South West and the Department for Transport.

A change in the government's plans gave the RDA time to commission the study.

"The government's decision to put back the date for responses to the consultation document has given us a valuable opportunity to review the issues facing the south of the region, and to determine which options best meet the overall objectives for the South West," said Claire Gibson, the RDA's head of Transport.