James, this is the statement:
PRESS RELEASE
Statement re Cosmos programme
Steve Fitzgerald, Chief Executive of Infratil Airports Europe, today (28.2.07) commented on the decision not to operate a summer charter programme between Kent and Virginia -
“The Virginia programme originated from the close co-operation between Kent County Council and the authorities in Norfolk.
“The 400th anniversary of the founding of the first permanent settlement at Jamestown, Virginia, in 2007 was seen as a catalyst to link the regions as many of the first settlers came from Kent.
“It presented the opportunity for a link that we were happy to support but this type of service always stood outside our core business plan for passenger development.
“We are obviously disappointed that this project will not be going ahead as planned. For various reasons, including an unfavourable exchange rate for the inbound market, it seems the demand was simply not there.
“This has not changed our view that the airport has a bright future. The Virginia programme would have been a once a week service catering for around 8,000 passengers in total.
“We believe Kent International Airport has the potential to service the domestic and short-haul, business and leisure, low cost and charter markets within Europe.
“There will be a gradual development and our business plan anticipates growth to around 500,000 – 600,000 passengers over three years.
“With excellent growth in freight traffic, the expanded charter programme from Kent Escapes and the positive discussions we are having with established European airlines we remain confident that our long-term business plan will ensure the airport has a bright future.
“Kent County Council and its partners in this venture continue to have an important role in promoting the economic development of East Kent and attracting more air services into the area is an excellent way to stimulate growth.
“We look forward to working with Kent County Council and other partners in the future.”
Ends
February 28 2007