British International (Helicopters), Penzance

Tony Jones, Managing Director, British International Helicopters, said: "We are pleased to be able to give existing and new customers certainty regarding our 2012 flight arrangements and be able to reassure them that the service will be uninterrupted from Penzance for another season.

"I would like to thank Sainsburyís for their flexibility in agreeing to this later date. Throughout our negotiations with them, they have been understanding of both our and the communityís requirements."

Ben Littman, regional development executive, Sainsburyís, said: "We were asked by BIH if we would allow Penzance heliport to operate for a further season. We were happy to agree in principle to this as we appreciate that minimising disruption to the service and its passengers is paramount for BIH. It just remains for us to establish the contractual details of the arrangements."

Radio Scilly has today reported that British International Helicopters has confirmed that they have agreed to lease a site at St Erth as a base for helicopter travel to and from the islands.  The plan can only go ahead if they gain planning permission from Cornwall Council to change the use of the existing Heliport site at Long Rock to a supermarket. If planning permission for change of use is not granted operations will cease on October 31st this year.