Jes said: "The Middle and Far East are where all the growth is taking place. Which is the closest UK airport to them?"
Are you seriously suggesting that proximity to the destination has anything to do with the choice of which airport you fly your goods from? If so, might I respectfully point out that there are numerous continental airports which are closer to the Middle East than Manston.
Is it just me or are there people on this board, who seem increasingly desperate to tell us that Manston is making progress? The weeds tell a different story.