Ensuring air routes and carriers at Isle of Man Airport survive the economic downturn is the major challenge for the year ahead.
Airport Director Anne Reynolds has been speaking in the wake of a sharp fall in passenger numbers last month.
There was a 15% drop compared with last February, with the total down 9,000 to 50,000.
In both leisure and business travel it's clear people are considering very carefully if they need to fly, and how often.
Measures to attract passengers are being stepped up, with the Department of Tourism and Leisure supporting efforts to promote routes to the Island.
Ms Reynolds says incentive schemes aimed at keeping a lid on air fares could also pay dividends:
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