I met John Haffenden, the manager of Shoreham Airport, in his office at the top of the airport's terminal building, seemingly the monarch of all he surveyed.

The views from his office of the green airfield and the small aircraft coming in to land after approaching along the Adur Valley and past Lancing College are spectacular. John loves his job and his enthusiasm is infectious.

He was appointed manager in 1993 and every year since then but one the airport has made a profit. Last year, there were some unexpected difficulties, including the floods, but John had been able to build sufficient reserves so no extra cash was required.

It's no picnic being the manager of Shoreham Airport. It is the only city airport in the country which is council-owned, two-thirds by Brighton and Hove and one third by Worthing, and it would be surprising if there were any members of either council who have any real knowledge of the airport business.

There are environmental concerns. Shoreham Airport is some 250 acres of green open space between Shoreham and Lancing and it must be protected. The airport is also an important source of local employment. With its engineering support services, flying schools and other companies, it provides 700 jobs.

What of the future? Shoreham Airport's main business is small, private aircraft but it does have some passengers and business users. Pictures in the newspapers of empty airports and grounded airliners are everywhere but John Haffenden has other ideas.

Round the country, city airports are expanding and many are doing well with increased passenger and business traffic. That's not surprising. The waiting time and costs to get to international airports are getting worse by the year.

The new 40 to 50 seater "silent" jets - they are very quiet - could use Shoreham Airport if some changes were made in the infrastructure. The security aspect of handling a few hundred customers a day is easier than policing the masses at international airports.

John said there would have to be an improvement in local transport services. Of course, I thought, that's long overdue. Why not let the train take the strain? The Art Deco terminal at Shoreham Airport is a delight and has been used as a film location. David Suchet was there to film of an episode of Poirot.

Now, Brighton and Hove and Worthing, please support your airport and its management. Find some money and the business might take off.