US tycoon Donald Trump has pledged to make Prestwick Airport "really successful" as he announced a partnership with the Scottish Government-owned hub.

The Trump Organisation has chosen Prestwick to service the nearby Trump Turnberry resort, in which the businessman plans to invest £250 million.

The airport will be the Scottish base for all Trump Aviation Operations, including Mr Trump's private Boeing 757 and Sikorsky 76B helicopter.

Prestwick Airport is continuing to run at a loss after being bought over by the Scottish Government last year in a last-ditch effort to keep it open.

A vision document published last month recommended that the airport should maintain its status as a gateway to Glasgow and work towards becoming the UK's first spaceport.

Now, Mr Trump hopes that tourists heading to Trump Turnberry will use the airport, flying in from around the world on private planes.

He said: "We are going to have planes coming in from New York and all over, very high-level planes like Gulf Streams and Bombardiers.

"We are going to have a lot of private aircraft flying in, groups or individuals. We expect to be using the airport quite a bit.

"We are going to make this really successful. You are going to get a lot of business."

He said they expect to bring in "hundreds" of flights.

Mr Trump announced the official partnership in a press conference in a hangar at Prestwick Airport, standing in front of his private jet.

The tycoon also outlined some of his plans for the resort, revealing that he intends to invest about £250 million to transform it - more than the £100 million figure initially mentioned.

A major renovation of the hotel will take place, with a new ballroom, while a second golf course will be created and improvements made to the existing Ailsa course.

Work on the Ailsa course is expected to start next October and be finished by the following June.

Mr Trump hopes the resort will be a big draw for visitors.

He said: "We hope to bring people in from all over the world. It's got this incredible pedigree.

"You have something in Scotland that nobody has: you have pedigree when it comes to tourism and golf.

"Golf is booming in Asia, they all want to come to the home of golf. You have something that no other country has to that extent."

Mr Trump, chairman and president of the Trump Organisation, added: "We are thrilled to be partnering with Glasgow Prestwick Airport.

"They have a tremendous facility with a unique rich history.

"Their expert team and state-of-the-art operation is perfectly aligned with our global client and member base that travel frequently to Scotland and to Trump Turnberry, one of the most beautiful destinations anywhere and home to many of the finest golf resorts in the world including the legendary Trump Turnberry and Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeen."

As part of the partnership, Trump and Prestwick will be offering transfers via the Trump helicopter, executive cars or private hire to the resort, which is about 20 miles south of the airport.

Iain Cochrane, chief executive of Prestwick Airport, said: "We are very excited to be working closely with the Trump Organisation going forward and are delighted that Prestwick has been chosen to be the European base for the Trump Sikorsky helicopter.

"Forging a new partnership between the airport and the Trump Organisation will undoubtedly be mutually beneficial to both parties. However, it will also bring significant opportunities for the region as more inbound visitors travel to visit the legendary Trump Turnberry Resort."