In view of the scepticism expressed by some posters, I reproduce part of the paper sent to the Council by Matt Clarke, MSE CEO. Looks as though it's going to the wire!
Kent International Airport Variation to s.106 Agreement
Background
KIA has been actively negotiating with a significant long haul European air freight carrier with a view to re-locating an existing air cargo operation from its existing hub to KIA. The commencement of this activity at KIA would have the effect of delivering approximately 400 employment opportunities to the area.
Until the end of February, when the operator will be in a position to confirm the contract with Infratil, it is not possible to name the carrier. The airline is a significant operator which will be a new entrant to KIA.
On Thursday the 29th of January a meeting was held, during which the final key points for agreement were discussed. During this meeting, it was noted that the aircraft operator is required to make a decision urgently, and is not in a position to award the business to KIA without assurance that the restrictions on night-time flying can be modified as required to physically enable the operation. If a contract is agreed in February flights may start as early as May, and not later than October 2009.
The cargo operation concerned operates scheduled cargo services, with several flights required to be scheduled to arrive or depart KIA between 0600 and 0700. The operator needs the ability to schedule flights up to 2330 in line with operational hours in place at the competitor airport.
The airport operator requests the adoption of a variation in line with the S106 agreement such that this operation would be permitted to go ahead. Enabling this activity would establish the base for a sustainable airport at Manston, along with securing a significant number of up front local employment opportunities.
Nature of Activity
The proposed cargo operation would involve the re-location of an existing European air freight business to KIA. The airport would become the centre for a globally recognised freight operator, requiring the relocation of pilots, freight forwarding staff, administration staff, logistics providers, aircraft engineers, caterers, cleaners etc. As well as the employment activity generated by these agencies, the airport itself would employ a further 54 staff to accommodate the increased business. Based on examples found at other UK airports, this level of activity would lead to a further 300 indirect employment opportunities.
The 11 weekly aircraft turnarounds would be scheduled to operate between the hours of 0600 and 2330, in line with the hours available at the aircraft operator's current airport in use. The aircraft fleet employed would be 747-400 series, rated QC4 on departure and QC2 on arrival. The nature of the shipments would be general cargo, involving consolidating, deconsolidating and logistics centres based at the airport site.
Due to the extensive project required to relocate the operation, the carrier has a requirement for certainty that during the next ten years they will be able to operate their business in a stable regulatory environment.