Communities and businesses on Skye will be consulted on calls to re-establish flights between the island and the central belt.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has commissioned consultants ekosgen to carry out a survey.
The move was announced yesterday, and follows a renewed campaign in recent years to restore air links.
The existing air strip in Ashaig, Broadford, was opened in 1972 to serve as a gateway to the island, with Loganair operating a scheduled route to Glasgow from 1972 to 1988, when the service was disbanded.
Shirley Spear, co-founder of the Michelin starred restaurant The Three Chimneys and chairwoman of the Scottish Food Commission, has been one of the leading proponents of reviving such services.
However, the Scottish Government said that it has “no plans” for future air services to Skye, insisting that any funding would have to be sourced at a local level.
The airstrip is currently owned by Highland Council and the most recent feasibility study suggested that it would take around £2.3million to bring it back to Civil Aviation Authority standards.
However, the bill could rise to £15.3million if the air transport watchdog insisted on the runway being lengthened and widened to meet safety rules.
As part of the new study, researchers are aiming to get the views of at least 100 businesses, social enterprises and community groups on the potential economic benefits of a service being reintroduced.
They will also carry out in-depth telephone interviews with about 20 them.
Stuart MacPherson, of HIE, said: “Strong reliable transport links are of course crucial to a successful and competitive region.
“Air services from and to small rural airports can play a key role in supporting economic and community growth.
“We need to be clear about the full extent of the benefits of reintroducing a regular air service for the island and surrounding area and would urge all businesses, social enterprises and community groups to take part in the survey.
“Their feedback will help inform any future decisions about reintroducing a Skye air service.”
The research follows the Skye Air Services Feasibility Study in 2013 which recommended further work to explore the wider economic and social benefits of re-introducing air services.
The online survey will run throughout November and can be accessed via the HIE website.