A GROUP of businessman could be brought together to relaunch a helicopter service next to land earmarked for a new Sainsbury's, MP Andrew George has told The Cornishman.
The west Cornwall and Isles of Scilly politician has joined local residents, stakeholders and business to find a long term plan to reinstate flights.
Although the demise of the longest running passenger service in the world is still set to happen next week, he is hopeful a solution can be found before next spring.
"The service is closing but there is still some hope," he said.
"A few of us have come together to give it our best shot and I am not saying we are confident this is going to work but we do not know until we try."
The MP said there has yet to be firm discussions with the Government about the possibility of a Public Service Obligation (PSO) subsidy or support, adding that a hard-nosed commercial decision was needed to bring back flights.
"Nothing has been turned down and no one has said no, they have just told us about the challenges that would need to be overcome if a PSO was offered."
With so much about the future of helicopter flights up in the air, Mr George has told The Cornishman what his preferred solution would be.
"The most realistic option and one I would favour is one which has local stakeholders prepared to put some money in to see commercial viability."
On the tricky subject of where the helicopters could operate from, he said discussions were continuing with Sainsbury's.
"I am confident that the supermarket going ahead would not necessarily mean that a heliport in the Penzance area is a major obstacle," he said.
"There are two acres of the current heliport land that aren't part of the supermarket build and there are some helicopters that can operate from just two acres – but not the Sikorsky helicopters (currently used by BIH)."
Ideally it is hoped that the discussions pay off and a solution can be brought together in time for a service to be up and running before the 2013 summer season.
Ben Littman, Sainsbury's development executive said: "We are pleased that planning officers have recommended approval for the design of our proposed new store.
"Sainsbury's remain committed to Penzance and if the plans are approved we will have a better idea of when construction can start on site."