MANSTON
Join Date: Nov 2001
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Originally Posted by catflaps
Would you not agree that Infratil don't appear to be investing any folding money into the place?
Join Date: Oct 2005
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I heard Manston was shut on 23rd May as it got hit by lightning and grounded all a/c apart from letting a 747 land.
Is this true and does anyone have any further info?
Apologies if it's been posted elsewhere.
Is this true and does anyone have any further info?
Apologies if it's been posted elsewhere.
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: EGMH..a down, not yet out, formerly awesome airfield
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Passenger flights return
The latest attempt by Kent's Battle of Britain airfield, Manston, to become an international passenger airport is set to get off the ground today. And there is also speculation that low-cost airline Ryanair may be offered terms to run services from the airport, its new owner has ambitious plans to get the renamed Kent International Airport to fulfil its potential capacity of more than two million passengers a year.
Passengers services were halted last summer when Planestation, the stock market-listed owner of the airport and its main airline EUJet, went bust. However, from today, a local package holiday company is launching once-a-week charter services to the Costa Brava via Barcelona, and to the Algarve through Faro from the airport.
New owner Infratil, the New Zealand infrastructure group, bought Kent International out of receivership for £17m last year. Infratil, which already owns and operates Glasgow's successful Prestwick airport - the Scottish home of Ryanair - aims to spend £9m upgrading the airstrip and control tower on the way to Kent International rebuilding to 350,000 passengers a year in the short term.
Infratil's business plan says there is 'a strong local market for passengers services' from the 1.9m people who live within an hour of the airport, which is on the Kent coast near Ramsgate. It says it will not repeat the mistake of Planestation - previously known as Wiggins - of investing in an airline whose needs for start-up cash ultimately sank the group.
Passengers services were halted last summer when Planestation, the stock market-listed owner of the airport and its main airline EUJet, went bust. However, from today, a local package holiday company is launching once-a-week charter services to the Costa Brava via Barcelona, and to the Algarve through Faro from the airport.
New owner Infratil, the New Zealand infrastructure group, bought Kent International out of receivership for £17m last year. Infratil, which already owns and operates Glasgow's successful Prestwick airport - the Scottish home of Ryanair - aims to spend £9m upgrading the airstrip and control tower on the way to Kent International rebuilding to 350,000 passengers a year in the short term.
Infratil's business plan says there is 'a strong local market for passengers services' from the 1.9m people who live within an hour of the airport, which is on the Kent coast near Ramsgate. It says it will not repeat the mistake of Planestation - previously known as Wiggins - of investing in an airline whose needs for start-up cash ultimately sank the group.
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Sittingbourne Kent and at Wimborne Dorset
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Originally Posted by catflaps
So, let's get this straight. You're using an aviation bulletin board, but when you talked about massive investment, you were actually referring to the shopping centre that's been built several miles away.
Would you not agree that Manston is looking very run-down, and in dire need of investment?
Would you not agree that Infratil don't appear to be investing any folding money into the place?
Would you not agree that Manston is looking very run-down, and in dire need of investment?
Would you not agree that Infratil don't appear to be investing any folding money into the place?
James
Join Date: May 2006
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What earthly use would there be in sending an E-mail to Infratil about it?
You omit to mention that the same news bulletin also observed that you would hardly expect passengers who have chosen to use the airport, to be moaning about it. If they didn't like it they had the choice of going to Gatwick, instead.
I have absolutely no doubt that a few people will always choose to use Manston, regardless of how dilapidated it looks. This isn't the issue. The issue is whether there is sufficient market in East Kent to make money from these flights. EUjet's experience would suggest that there is not sufficient demand. I would suggest that the fact that these flights aren't fully booked does not bode well for the future.
You omit to mention that the same news bulletin also observed that you would hardly expect passengers who have chosen to use the airport, to be moaning about it. If they didn't like it they had the choice of going to Gatwick, instead.
I have absolutely no doubt that a few people will always choose to use Manston, regardless of how dilapidated it looks. This isn't the issue. The issue is whether there is sufficient market in East Kent to make money from these flights. EUjet's experience would suggest that there is not sufficient demand. I would suggest that the fact that these flights aren't fully booked does not bode well for the future.
Join Date: Apr 2004
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Catflaps....
are you a NIMBY or a MAG member. No 'normal' local would be so against the local airport doing its best to succeed.
are you a NIMBY or a MAG member. No 'normal' local would be so against the local airport doing its best to succeed.
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Originally Posted by catflaps
What earthly use would there be in sending an E-mail to Infratil about it?
You omit to mention that the same news bulletin also observed that you would hardly expect passengers who have chosen to use the airport, to be moaning about it. If they didn't like it they had the choice of going to Gatwick, instead.
I have absolutely no doubt that a few people will always choose to use Manston, regardless of how dilapidated it looks. This isn't the issue. The issue is whether there is sufficient market in East Kent to make money from these flights. EUjet's experience would suggest that there is not sufficient demand. I would suggest that the fact that these flights aren't fully booked does not bode well for the future.
You omit to mention that the same news bulletin also observed that you would hardly expect passengers who have chosen to use the airport, to be moaning about it. If they didn't like it they had the choice of going to Gatwick, instead.
I have absolutely no doubt that a few people will always choose to use Manston, regardless of how dilapidated it looks. This isn't the issue. The issue is whether there is sufficient market in East Kent to make money from these flights. EUjet's experience would suggest that there is not sufficient demand. I would suggest that the fact that these flights aren't fully booked does not bode well for the future.
DAS Engineering have moved some equipment into the old MSJC hangar with a Tug that has the words DAS on.
Looks like DAS are moving into Manston has there hangar at LGW are going to be turned into a car park.
PS the flights where fully booked
James
Join Date: Aug 2002
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Just to complete the current picture:
http://www.kentinternationalairport-...eUpRunning.asp
Regs
BobD
http://www.kentinternationalairport-...eUpRunning.asp
Regs
BobD
Join Date: Aug 2002
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Good to see the airport in use again passenger wise, very interested to see where they got the check in and gate staff from seeing the massive layoffs last year, and the process for security ID, is slightly restrictive in a short period. I will refrain from alleging my thoughts.
Any how good luck now see how they handle World if they still coming.
Any how good luck now see how they handle World if they still coming.
Join Date: Apr 2004
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The airport has taken on staff through an employment agency. The staff are hourly paid for a limited amount of hours a week
Join Date: Dec 2000
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Statement from Kent International Airport, 1st June 2006
"We carefully consider all the aspects of any new business here at Kent International and take advice and guidance from the relevant authorities.
They have assured us that the export of live cattle is now both a legal and responsible form of trade.
The previous ban related to human health issues, not concern about the method of transport. Moving animals by aircraft is fast, safe and efficient.
Unfortunately, we have been given advice about the potential methods of a very small number of people opposed to the movements that raises safety concerns for our people and our assets.
This has led us to decide that we will not accept bookings for live cattle shipments at Kent International.
As much as we are disappointed that we are potentially turning away legitimate business, the safety of our people is always our number one priority."
"We carefully consider all the aspects of any new business here at Kent International and take advice and guidance from the relevant authorities.
They have assured us that the export of live cattle is now both a legal and responsible form of trade.
The previous ban related to human health issues, not concern about the method of transport. Moving animals by aircraft is fast, safe and efficient.
Unfortunately, we have been given advice about the potential methods of a very small number of people opposed to the movements that raises safety concerns for our people and our assets.
This has led us to decide that we will not accept bookings for live cattle shipments at Kent International.
As much as we are disappointed that we are potentially turning away legitimate business, the safety of our people is always our number one priority."
Join Date: Jun 2006
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A little birdy has told me that the firemen at MSE have been presented a groovy kind of shift roster to cater for days when a higher cat of cover is needed, all in favour of the company ?
From what I can make out, Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays are CAT 2 cover only with the hope they can call in extras ad-hoc when the company feel like it ? Higher cats have been put in place other days for planned movements.
They are also being made to assist with all ramp duties ?
They have all annual leave cancelled this summer to make sure cover is in place for the up and coming flights of MK, World Airways, LTE and military flights ?
Thats not all thats happening so I hear, the ramp, terminal and security staff are all being told there will be no overtime payments and that all hours worked outside rostered hours will be banked and taken as leave when the company say they can take them ?
I have also been told of other stirrings around the camp but will leave with this for the moment.
All of the above cant be true, can it ?
Firemen and pretty much the rest of the staff at MSE are very unhappy ?
From what I can make out, Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays are CAT 2 cover only with the hope they can call in extras ad-hoc when the company feel like it ? Higher cats have been put in place other days for planned movements.
They are also being made to assist with all ramp duties ?
They have all annual leave cancelled this summer to make sure cover is in place for the up and coming flights of MK, World Airways, LTE and military flights ?
Thats not all thats happening so I hear, the ramp, terminal and security staff are all being told there will be no overtime payments and that all hours worked outside rostered hours will be banked and taken as leave when the company say they can take them ?
I have also been told of other stirrings around the camp but will leave with this for the moment.
All of the above cant be true, can it ?
Firemen and pretty much the rest of the staff at MSE are very unhappy ?
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Boo Boo
Your report matches what I have heard and seen; why can't it be true?
Good way to run a business and protect jobs. I also know that the fire bods are much happier doing some work than loafing around.
Your report matches what I have heard and seen; why can't it be true?
Good way to run a business and protect jobs. I also know that the fire bods are much happier doing some work than loafing around.
Join Date: May 2005
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Boo Boo
Jes
OH Yeahhhhhh we are absolutley over the moon - hated all that "LOAFING AROUND" - it was really quite exhausting !!
Shifts that suit the company not the workers and hardly a day off to be seen - it's a real hoot.
Jes
OH Yeahhhhhh we are absolutley over the moon - hated all that "LOAFING AROUND" - it was really quite exhausting !!
Shifts that suit the company not the workers and hardly a day off to be seen - it's a real hoot.
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tilewood
Havent a clue, but i can confirm that it is the oldest radar in the world ever !
The mice on the treadmill keeping it going have recently recieved a long service medal and have now retired to a small wind mill in the country.
Havent a clue, but i can confirm that it is the oldest radar in the world ever !
The mice on the treadmill keeping it going have recently recieved a long service medal and have now retired to a small wind mill in the country.
