AIRPORT bosses are in talks with carriers about new services and are “good for their word” over the site’s future, a senior boss has told The Northern Echo.

Steve Gill says officials at Durham Tees Valley Airport (DTVA) are working hard to strengthen the base and the region’s economy.

His bullish outlook came after Scottish operator Loganair announced new flights to Aberdeen and Norwich from the airport, which will start later this year and focus predominantly on trade from workers in the oil and gas and renewable energy sectors.

The airport has suffered a significant drop in passenger numbers since its heady days of the mid- 2000s when nearly a million people passed through its terminal, with the end of holiday charter flights and carrier’s departures leaving a hole in the former RAF station’s itinerary.

Flights to Amsterdam and Aberdeen are now the mainstay, with latest Civil Aviation Authority figures showing 132,369 people used the site in 2016.

Bosses have long been accused by campaigners of not doing enough to protect the airport’s future, citing its stripped back departure board, but Mr Gill said the claims were unfitting.

Highlighting airport owner Peel’s previously announced blueprint to complement flights with a business park containing engineering, storage and distribution operations, and approval of plans for 350 homes on the airport’s northern border, Mr Gill, chief executive, said officials were constantly assessing potential opportunities.

He told the Echo: “We are always in talks with a number of airlines and are looking forward to the partnership with Loganair.

“We are good for our word and have a clear plan for a route of sustainability.

“We are looking to develop routes that serve the local economy and the businesses that work here.

“Loganair coming here is a great opportunity for the airport and the airline.”

Mr Gill also said Peel will continue watching developments at Heathrow, where a new third runway could provide DTVA with a domestic flight boost.

The airport, which neighbours the village of Middleton St George, on the outskirts of Darlington, lost its Heathrow service nearly a decade ago after BMI withdrew services.

However, it is on a provisional list for the London site after the Department for Transport approved its new runway.

Speaking last year, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling told the Echo that DTVA’s flights could be in operation by 2030.

Mr Gill added: “We are excited with what they are trying to do.”

Announcing Loganair’s flights earlier this week, Jonathan Hinkles, the carrier’s managing director, said it could not rule out expansion of its services at DTVA.

He said: “The guys at the airport are energised and have a drive to see the airport develop.

“There are a number of opportunities (for more services) and we are talking to them about those.

“This is the start.”