The original S106 agreement was between Planestation and Thanet Council, and there seems to be some disagreement as to whether this agreement is, or should be, binding on subsequent owners. Press reports would suggest that attempts by Thanet council to negotiate a new 106 with Infratil at KIA have fallen on deaf ears.
One thing is certain, however. The financial levy for night time operation has been largely theoretical.
Planestation approached Thanet council to operate scheduled EUjet flights after midnight and were immediately told "yes".
Press reports indicated that by the time Planestation went into administration, no payments had actually been made for any night operations.
Operators can and do currently use Manston after midnight.
I am no defender of Thanet politicians, but to accuse them of hindering progress at MSE is unfair and untrue.
They have bent over backwards to help Manston at every turn, but at the end of the day they are the elected representatives of the Thanet population, and that population is bitterly opposed to night flights.