Andy S - good post!
So, out of interest
What would be the right aircraft?
The right routes?
The right frequency?
How profitbale would it be for the operator?
How profitable would it be for the airport?
MDIS - Surely 'Pie in the sky' would just about cover the majority of figures and projections quoted by KIA / Wiggins / PlaneStation over the years?
Everybody knows that Manston exists (operator wise). It's been around for years - and nobody is interested because it's no good for what airlines, operators, aircraft owners or engineering facilities want!
I am now and have been for sometime, a customer of Manston. Without taking anything away from the Ops / Ground Crew - they are NOT always very customer friendly. Their hours can be restrictive - they're not flexible - ATC hold themselves in quite high regard and often welcome your enquiry with a negative response.
It sounds petty, I know - but this 'no can do' attitude that often greets Operators is not a positive.
I really can't understand why so many people (mainly locals) get so excited about the prospects that Manston has.
Everyone in the industry gave EuJet 6months, 8months a year max! And they were right!
The airport is quite literally on the road to nowhere!