THE Government could be called on to help fund the relaunch of a defunct helicopter service from Penzance to the Isles of Scilly.
The Cornishman reported last month that AgustaWestland had agreed to provide helicopters for an operator to fly the 28 miles between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly.
If a business case can be made for the fledgling plans, there are hopes that ministers will step in to help a new service take off.
"We will see if the Government can help us re-establish a heliport," said Andrew George, Liberal Democrat MP for the area who was buoyant when asked the likelihood of such a cash backing.
"It is very difficult to say but we are fortunate in Cornwall that we can match government money with cash from Europe," he said.
"If we can get £1 million of European money then another £1 million from the Government, which is relatively small for them in funding terms, can make a difference between getting a helicopter service or not."
Representatives of international aviation company AgustaWestland have recently visited west Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to take a look at the potential for a new helicopter link.
They are also said to have met with local stakeholders and have started speaking to possible service operators.
Three big names being potentially linked to the route are Bristow, Bond and CHC.
"This is a serious commitment by AgustaWestland and is showing serious interest in the area," said Mr George.
"We just need to make sure that the business case stacks up now."
An "appealing" offer will be put on the table for operators to buy the AgustaWestland 189 craft. Able to seat around 18 passengers, the model will also be used by Bristow to provide search and rescue operations across the country.
But while hopes are high for the reintroduction of the helicopter service, a government minister recently said there would be no subsidy for the Penzance to Isles of Scilly sea link.
On a visit to Cornwall, Patrick McLoughlin, the Secretary of State for Transport, said the focus needed to be on cutting the country's deficit and not on securing a year-round subsidised link.
