RDATE:25082005
The purchase of Kent International Airport Manston has been welcomed as a boost to the region's economy.
Infratil has agreed to purchase the airport, located near Ramsgate, Kent, describing it as having "strong prospects" for both freight and passenger services. That's welcome news to the local authority, Thanet District Council, whose area covers the airport and the seaside towns of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate.
Council Leader Sandy Ezekiel, said: "This is an excellent boost to the regeneration of the whole east Kent area. Thanet Council has always seen the development of Kent International Airport Manston as key to the area's economic success and today's news highlights what we have always believed that the airport is an asset to the area and has great potential as a significant regional airport.
"We know that there is a demand for both freight and passenger services from this part of Kent, as highlighted over the last year by the number of people who had used the passenger service. We look forward to seeing the airport being brought back to us. This will then help to build on Thanet's position as the gateway to Europe and promote the area as an excellent base for business."
Thanet's motorway and dual carriage road links mean the area is just over an hour's drive from the outskirts of London. Links to Europe include daily freight sailing's between the Port of Ramsgate and Ostend, a route which also boasts the only passenger service between the English Channel ports and Belgium.
CONTACT: Lucy Tuson, Press Officer, Thanet District Council Fax: +44 (0)1843 295 343
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