DURHAM Tees Valley Airport operators have denied that the shock departure of the man charged with reviving the loss-making facility was part of a cost-cutting plan.

The Northern Echo also understands that a decision for the airport to revert to its former moniker, Teesside Airport, could be made in autumn.

James Wharton, Conservative MP for Stockton South, has been leading the campaign for a name change in the belief that it will help to turn around the fortunes of the airport, which became Durham Tees Valley in 2004.

Airport chiefs have not ruled out the move, but do not regard it as a priority because they are focusing on boosting revenue and finding a replacement for Mike Morton, who quit last week as airport director.

Mr Morton left in the same week that it emerged ten of the airport’s firefighters are to lose their jobs as part of a cost-cutting exercise.

Further job losses have not been ruled out, but there are no immediate plans for more redundancies.

A spokesman said Mr Morton’s departure was not connected to cuts in the number of firefighters and that his replacement would be appointed as soon as possible.

Mr Morton had been instrumental in raising the profile of Durham Tees Valley Airport since he was appointed about a year ago, but the company said his departure would not hamper efforts to find new income streams.

Operator Peel Airports has been in talks with a number of airlines about new route opportunities and a link-up with London Southend Airport is one of the options.

A deal with the Essex-based site, which has a fast rail link into central London, would offer Durham Tees Valley the foothold close to the capital it has craved since bmi cancelled its service to Heathrow in 2009.

However, no deal is expected in the short-term.

Until a replacement for Mr Morton is found, Wes Porter, chief operating officer of Peel Airports Group, will oversee strategic matters and support airport manager Shaun Woods, who will manage day to day operations.

Nick Smillie, aviation sales director, will continue to work on business development.