The airport operates from RAF St Mawgan, which is to be mothballed in 2007 together with its essential services such as air traffic control.

Cornwall County Council is finalising a contract with a Portsmouth-based aviation firm to replace technology provided by the Ministry of Defence.

Airport Director Chris Cain said it would lead to "continuity of service".

He said: "As soon as our funding package is in place, we can start the works that are needed to secure a Civil Aviation Authority licence so that when the MoD withdraws from St Mawgan, we can have continuity of service and provide a full civil operation."