MANSTON -2

[Paradism]

catflaps

I don't believe that UK Registration will aid MK in using their Ostend base. It is more likely to help them in North America.

[deedave]

.....and other UK airports?

[Ad C]

It was suggested to me that, at the moment, it's cheaper for MK to fly into MSE than Ostend, depite the investment there. The difference, it seems, is down to the road haulage being more expensive from Ostend than Mse. This would make sense if most of the loads are destind for the UK.

[manstonman]

Except . . . that quite a few of the lorries that cart the MK loads away are foreign and take a left turn on leaving Manston presumably bound either for Ramsgate or Dover

[deedave]

Wiggins/Planestation gave what was effectively a 50% discount to get MK to use Manston.

A good strategy to persuade them to use an out-of-the-way airport, but not so good for revenue.

[euroairport]

MK as you know fly in to MSE most days.
Most aircraft then fly onto Luxembourg, I have noted a few do go to Ostend, about two a week.
I expect the fuel is cheaper in Luxembourg, it used to be for cars !
MK do tend to go where it cheaper.

[tommyc2005]

Deedave, small point with double the result, Newmarket is not 5 return trips but 10 ; 2 x Malta (though 1 returns to LGW), Prague, Funchal, 3 x Verona, 2 x Naples, Pula.

[deedave]

Thanks Tommy.

Your information is always helpful, unbiased, and mostly correct.

[manstonman]

Wiggins/Planestation gave what was effectively a 50% discount to get MK to use Manston.
A good strategy to persuade them to use an out-of-the-way airport, but not so good for revenue.

Somehow I don't think Infratil operate in quite the same way as Wiggins/Planestation did - thank goodness.
Good to see MK are now using Manston for crew training, seems they're getting quite a liking for the place.

[Throat]

I checked just one flight today

[manstonman]

I'm not sure what all this nonsense is about MK not using Ostend.

This is what they're saying in Ostend:
Just look at the movements in Manston. Every day there's at least one MK movement, while 'hub' Ostend has days with no MK movements at all. Egyptair should have three weekly flights out of Ostend, last weeks we should be gratefull to have two. Normally there should be two flights of GCO on sunday, since a few weeks I only count one. What's happening?

It's all going to Manston that's what's happening! Sorry catflaps whether you like it or not the corner has been turned

[deedave]

Anyone with an interest in this should take a look at the Manston 3 thread from this time last year. There you will find similar gleeful observations about cargo flights as we are experiencing now, along with some fairly wild predictions.

On the same thread you will also find some very optimistic comments about Kent Escapes - a subject they are now studiously avoiding.

Do your own research, and you will discover that it takes a lot more than a flurry of activity to make Manston "turn the corner."

MK have made daily (and double daily) flights to MSE before and I have no doubt they will do so again.

They have also quit the airport completely on two occasions, and will probably do this again as well.

The vexed question of revenue remains unanswered, and there seems to be no sign of an operational surplus on the horizon.

Incidentally I do not neccessarily disagree that the airport is "here to stay", although any owners would need to be prepared to incur indefinite losses.

[euroairport]

I am new to this forum, but have looked back at the Manston 3 thread from this time last year. Yes there were similar observations about cargo flights, but not at the level we are experiencing now.

Kent Escapes awaiting program for next year.

I have done a little research, and Manstons is "turning the corner."

It not a one cargo airline airport anymore.

4 to 5 Air Cargo Airlines now use the airport !

[kellyoldsmunt]

I have noticed lately flocks of corvids and gulls over flying the airport complete with flack jackets and bullet proof vests. looks like BCU have got the problem in hand. well done mate!

[manstonman]

Deedave do you suffer from balance or co-ordination problems? It's probably down to all that spin. There are doctors who can help you get a lot better

[deedave]

Aha!

I see once again the inability to locate any facts or construct a credible hypothesis for a profitable Manston has resulted in the inevitable trading of personal insults.

Sorry Manstonman, I'm not playing.

Presumably this is the new tactic to avoid discussion of Kent Escapes failure to progress, having run out of things to say about the latest flurry of cargo activity.

[manstonman]

You've been "playing" for a long time. Kent Escapes told me they will give an answer re other routes within "the next couple of weeks" (they haven't as yet) I have repeated this twice here if you could be bothered to look. Until they do it's all speculation (or some sort of twisted glee no doubt on your part)

[euroairport]

I am quite happy to say a great deal about Kent Escapes.
I have been talking to a travel agent, but I must wait untill the program for 2008 is out.

I am not making any posts till I know all the facts.

Then we can all have a discussion on Kent Escapes

[deedave]

Nope, you're missing the point.

Seguro bookings for 2008 at PIK have been up and running since early Summer.

It's now November and the Kent website is still showing "Summer 2007 now on sale."

There may well be an extra service or two to be added, but it is clear this operation is not progressing. If there was the slightest hint of progress, Jes would be talking about it incessantly.

[deedave]

Procedural question -

My post #613 was vaguely in response to a post by Jes- something about "It's Halloween and Manston is finally turning the corner" etc.

Have the mods deleted this post?

I don't recall it containing anything offensive.