Manston Airport £1 sale confirmed as Alastair Welch appointed to turn its fortunes around - News - Kent News
The sale of Manston Airport was confirmed this afternoon - with its new owner parachuting in a “turnaround specialist” in a bid to fulfil its potential.
The airfield in Thanet was sold for £1 by Infratil after it was put on the market in March 2012.
Earlier this year Ann Gloag, the co-founder of the Stagecoach empire revealed she was negotiating to buy it. The total cost of the deal will end up being around £350,000.
Charles Buchanan, the airport’s chief executive, will remain at the helm, but will be joined by Alastair Welch.
Mr Welch was previously managing director of Southend Airport - overseeing it undergo a major transformation. He left in July.
Multi-millionaire Ann Gloag will be hoping he can do the same at Manston.
In a statement, she said: “As the new owner of Manston Airport, I am ready to work on investigating opportunities for growth at Manston.
“I have over 30 years experience in the transport industry and will use that expertise as best as I can to optimise both freight and passenger growth at Manston.
“To help me in that challenge, I am delighted to have on board Alastair Welch. He will lead our work at the airport, working alongside Charles Buchanan and the wider Manston team as we scope the future strategy of the business.
“Whilst this is a loss making airport, I hope that with the co-operation of our neighbours and the wider community of Kent, the airport partners and staff, we can capitalise on the opportunities available to give Kent the best chance possible of having a successful and vibrant airport.”
Mr Welch added: “Our focus will be on doing what we need to do to build a successful business and we are looking at all options to give us the best chance of achieving that.
“For the airport to thrive and fulfil its potential, it is vital that we create an environment where new partners are attracted to do business at Manston.
“We are already working hard exploring a number of opportunities and we greatly appreciate the positive support we have received from key stakeholders and staff so far.
“Manston’s future not only depends on Ann Gloag and our team, it also depends on a collaborative approach from everyone in Kent who wants the airport to thrive. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to make this happen.
“In the meantime, the twice daily KLM flights connecting the people of Kent to worldwide destinations via Amsterdam continue to be very popular and the Manston team looks forward to welcoming even more passengers in the future.”