Restormel currently shares the cost with Cornwall County Council

John Lobb says passengers, the public sector and the private sector all have a role to play in turning the airport's profitability around.

Cornwall County Council currently shares the cost of running the airport with Restormel Borough Council.

The airport is facing a cash crisis, and it is understood its total annual deficit could be as much as �500,000.

Viable package

The change in the airport's fortunes follows the decision by British Airways to pull out of the Gatwick Route.

The replacement airline Air Southwest says it cannot afford to pay the same landing fees.

Restormel Borough Council has agreed to pick up this year's shortfall, but the council says it may be unable to do the same in the future.

Mr Lobb says he is confident a solution will be found to the dilemma.

He is appealing to the airport's owners, the county's district councils, passengers and businesses in Cornwall to "think creatively and positively" about ways to rescue the airport.

He said he was sure this autumn would see the county council outlining a viable package of measures to cut costs at the airport and raise more revenue.