Cityhopper plan to increase European flights

Blackpool Council wants to sell its loss-making airport and says it now believes it has struck the right deal.

Officers have drawn up plans to sell 95% to a consortium led by Wolverhampton Business Airport operators City Hopper Ltd.

The deal is dependent on the council - which would retain a 5% stake in the airport - approving the sale.

The potential new owners have said they are already in talks with airlines to put on direct flights to a number of European destinations.

And they aim to increase passenger numbers from 250,000 a year to one million in four years time.