I remember hearing something about this on the local news last time I was in the UK. The two businessmen were interviewed on the "Meridian Tonight" programme.
It did sound like a project with potential, but whether it will actually work out economically is another matter. The very best of luck to them.
According to Thanet councils website:
http://www.thanet.gov.uk/factfile/communications/
A total of £14 million will be spent upgrading facilities at London Manston Airport
Work completed April - September 1999
Air Ground Lighting (AGL) - £750,000
A completely new installation to latest civil standards.
Air Traffic Control - £400,000
A new, custom designed, air traffic control tower, relocated to a new site within the airport, including modern control equipment.
Fire Safety - £1 million
Specialist aviation fire-fighting equipment plus two new, specially commissioned major fire-engines.
Instrument Landing System (ILS) - £600,000
The Instrument Landing System guides 'planes into land on a set course, ensuring that all pilots keep to pre-assigned courses and heights, eliminating any flight deviation and low level landings. The installation includes associated Non-Directional Beacons (NDB) and Distance Measuring Equipment (DME).
Runway Resurfacing - £800,000
Replacement of the runway surface friction course which had become polished, resulting in low friction when wet. The entire runway, some 2752 metres long and 61 metres wide, was resurfaced and re-marked over a six night period using the latest technology equipment.
Security
The first phase of a perimeter fencing programme has been completed, comprising the installation of a three metre high steel fence along four kilometres of the airport's boundary. Mobile security patrols have been established with the provision of five new four-wheel drive vehicles to transport security personnel, undertake bird scaring, conduct airfield inspections and transport engineers around the airfield.
Work planned Winter 2001
Aprons
Extension of concrete aprons to provide a dedicated cargo area, separate from the passenger facilities.
Passenger Terminal
Refurbishment of the passenger terminal.
[ 07 August 2001: Message edited by: ramsrc ]