Stobart Group intends to exercise its option to buy Carlisle Airport, which runs out this month.
The company is confident the multi-million-pound project will go ahead subject to finalisation of a planning-related legal agreement, shareholder approval, and a satisfactory planning decision notice.
Stobart's planning application to build a freight storage and distribution facility at the Carlisle Airport site was submitted in October 2008.
Last month, members of Carlisle City Council's development control committee gave their go-ahead to the plans.
The approval is subject to conditions, including:
- The provision of public transport services to the site
- The replacement of habitat lost to the development
- Measures to protect homes from increased lorry noise
- A programme of runway upgrade works
- The provision of passenger terminal facilities
Stobart Group has also agreed to buy Southend Airport for up to £21m.