MANSTON -2
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: England, Kent.
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I believe that Manston has a successful future. Planestation made a mistake by doing to many flights and to many destinations. As a result of this many of the flights were no booked up and it’s recorded that some of the flights had 10 people on them. Skywing, which is the new airliner, has 3 destinations and 3 flights per week, this then means their building up rep and as far as i know the majority of flights are fully booked!
I for one would much prefer to fly out from local Manston than airports such as Heathrow as you don’t have the hassle of going through security, checking in which takes hours in many cases and really makes the trip in assents annoying when you've done it one to many times!
Therefore I believe that Manston is going to pick up nicely in the years to come and i better include the whole Isle of Thanet for that matter! (Subject to getting rid of the large amount of young/old yobs that believe they own the streets till 3am in the morning)
In addition to the factors above, people have been travelling from all sides of the country for a hoilday this summer from Manston airport. Not only are the hoilday deals reasonable but you don't have all the hassle of going through the larger airports as stated above. This is why i believe it has an appealing future. For those that dont believe in the future just check out the large amount of bookings they have got! You have to start somewhere and so far they are doing it correctly unlike planestation!!!
I for one would much prefer to fly out from local Manston than airports such as Heathrow as you don’t have the hassle of going through security, checking in which takes hours in many cases and really makes the trip in assents annoying when you've done it one to many times!
Therefore I believe that Manston is going to pick up nicely in the years to come and i better include the whole Isle of Thanet for that matter! (Subject to getting rid of the large amount of young/old yobs that believe they own the streets till 3am in the morning)
In addition to the factors above, people have been travelling from all sides of the country for a hoilday this summer from Manston airport. Not only are the hoilday deals reasonable but you don't have all the hassle of going through the larger airports as stated above. This is why i believe it has an appealing future. For those that dont believe in the future just check out the large amount of bookings they have got! You have to start somewhere and so far they are doing it correctly unlike planestation!!!
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Kent
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Ah well thats them putting all their eggs in one basket (Ostend ) although they are after a ground handling manager in luxembourg.
But Manston could not compete with the set up at Ostend as MK have their own parking area and freight shed there away from the main terminal.
a major loss for manston's cargo ambitions.
But Manston could not compete with the set up at Ostend as MK have their own parking area and freight shed there away from the main terminal.
a major loss for manston's cargo ambitions.
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Sittingbourne Kent and at Wimborne Dorset
Age: 37
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MK was ment to be coming into MSE today but i heard its going to OST Just hope Cargolux or advert link removed incress there sevices. anything about BA World Cargo?
James
James
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Tenet
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Weevhearditb4
So all MK's fleet now have UK certification then? Just thought i would ask? On a completely different note...observed a marvelous sight the other morning (at 01:00) a pair of Barn Owls hunting at the end of the runway.
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Not close enough to my aircraft !
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Loads of noise
Big Spark,
Now you are talking, what about a visit from a Spantax CV990 Coronado ...ah, those were the days eh Didn't need bird scarers in those days either !!
Now you are talking, what about a visit from a Spantax CV990 Coronado ...ah, those were the days eh Didn't need bird scarers in those days either !!
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: England near Rochester airport
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Hi everyone,
This is my first post. I would like to say first that I am a Manston fan and would dearly like to see it succeed, living in Medway I am equidistant from Gatwick Stansted and Manston and love the choice I have.
My views are:
1/ I cannot really see the massive increase in air traffic that is being predicted. It will only take a relatively modest hike in fuel prices or taxes to bump up flying costs and cut back the growth. If this happens Heathrow Terminal 5 and the eventual second runway at Gatwick or Stansted will probably provide enough capacity.
2/ If I am completely wrong and air travel does increase as predicted where will the extra capacity come from? At the moment Manston must be the front runner as it is all ready to go whilst Southend seems to be gearing up and Lydd is waiting in the wings. The only others in the South East are possibly Biggin Hill or Northolt. There are not massive queues from the airlines, to say the least, at any of these so where will everybody go? Will it be Southampton, Birmingham, Bristol, Norwich?
Any views anybody?
This is my first post. I would like to say first that I am a Manston fan and would dearly like to see it succeed, living in Medway I am equidistant from Gatwick Stansted and Manston and love the choice I have.
My views are:
1/ I cannot really see the massive increase in air traffic that is being predicted. It will only take a relatively modest hike in fuel prices or taxes to bump up flying costs and cut back the growth. If this happens Heathrow Terminal 5 and the eventual second runway at Gatwick or Stansted will probably provide enough capacity.
2/ If I am completely wrong and air travel does increase as predicted where will the extra capacity come from? At the moment Manston must be the front runner as it is all ready to go whilst Southend seems to be gearing up and Lydd is waiting in the wings. The only others in the South East are possibly Biggin Hill or Northolt. There are not massive queues from the airlines, to say the least, at any of these so where will everybody go? Will it be Southampton, Birmingham, Bristol, Norwich?
Any views anybody?
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Isle of Thanet
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Newmarket have announced two winter/spring trips:-
14th to 17th December to Prague with Smart Wings
9th to 16th April to Madeira with Astraeus.
Oh, and an MK 747 from Nairobi, full of cargo, has just landed.
14th to 17th December to Prague with Smart Wings
9th to 16th April to Madeira with Astraeus.
Oh, and an MK 747 from Nairobi, full of cargo, has just landed.
old git 99
As nobody else has attempted to answer your question, here are my views for what they area worth.
I now tend to agree with your contention that the projected massive growth in air travel is unlikely to happen. Oil prices are high and increasing again this week, many of the Ryanair/Easyjet routes are mature and have reached local market saturation point and interest rates look to remain significantly higher in the near to medium term. All this is likely to lead to a slowdown in growth.
The LoCo operators will need to open second tier routes and/or new departure points to keep growing and this latter option could benefit places like MSE to a limited degree - after all, East Kent has a reasonable, if modest, catchment area of its own which should support a limited range of destinations in its own right.
I would forget the prospect of MSE meeting the need for more capacity in the South East though - it is simply too far from London and does not possess road and rail infrastructure to overcome that problem. SEN, for example, has decided that on on-airport train station is a 'must', even though the existing Rochford station is only 10 minutes away. Speed of access to London will always be high on the list of requirements of any operator.
Neither Biggin Hill or Northolt are likely to cater for anything more than the bizjet market, while SOU and NWI should continue to grow through catering for their respective regional markets. BRS and BHX will benefit from their excellent motorway access so should also continue to see good growth.
As far as SEN is concerned it is in the right place, has its own immediate catchment area of 800,000 people, is H24, and should(!) have its rail station open by Spring 2008. It's problem is, of course, its limiting runway but if the current studies to extend it by adding a starter extension/stopway are positive that would, I believe, transform its potential. Without that I feel it will still attract a UK carrier or two, plus one or more continental airlines who will see SEN as useful London arrival point - especially as LTN will not now be expanding its capacity greatly. Furthermore, SEN is currently profitable so the MSE problem of pouring good money after bad does not arise.
Is STN's second runway still a certainty? I'm not so sure as it will be some time before a Public Enquiry is held - let alone decided- and things may look a little different by that time. The Conservative Party have also indicated that they will oppose the second runway so I wouldn't say it is a done deal yet.
As nobody else has attempted to answer your question, here are my views for what they area worth.
I now tend to agree with your contention that the projected massive growth in air travel is unlikely to happen. Oil prices are high and increasing again this week, many of the Ryanair/Easyjet routes are mature and have reached local market saturation point and interest rates look to remain significantly higher in the near to medium term. All this is likely to lead to a slowdown in growth.
The LoCo operators will need to open second tier routes and/or new departure points to keep growing and this latter option could benefit places like MSE to a limited degree - after all, East Kent has a reasonable, if modest, catchment area of its own which should support a limited range of destinations in its own right.
I would forget the prospect of MSE meeting the need for more capacity in the South East though - it is simply too far from London and does not possess road and rail infrastructure to overcome that problem. SEN, for example, has decided that on on-airport train station is a 'must', even though the existing Rochford station is only 10 minutes away. Speed of access to London will always be high on the list of requirements of any operator.
Neither Biggin Hill or Northolt are likely to cater for anything more than the bizjet market, while SOU and NWI should continue to grow through catering for their respective regional markets. BRS and BHX will benefit from their excellent motorway access so should also continue to see good growth.
As far as SEN is concerned it is in the right place, has its own immediate catchment area of 800,000 people, is H24, and should(!) have its rail station open by Spring 2008. It's problem is, of course, its limiting runway but if the current studies to extend it by adding a starter extension/stopway are positive that would, I believe, transform its potential. Without that I feel it will still attract a UK carrier or two, plus one or more continental airlines who will see SEN as useful London arrival point - especially as LTN will not now be expanding its capacity greatly. Furthermore, SEN is currently profitable so the MSE problem of pouring good money after bad does not arise.
Is STN's second runway still a certainty? I'm not so sure as it will be some time before a Public Enquiry is held - let alone decided- and things may look a little different by that time. The Conservative Party have also indicated that they will oppose the second runway so I wouldn't say it is a done deal yet.
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Thanet
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Expressflight-
I think many of us would agree with your analysis.
The early hopes we all had for MSE have not materialised, and as you say, it has now become an exercise in "pouring good money after bad"
This airport has been market tested and, sadly, it ain't working.
It is possible that LYX may prove to be better located, which may offer some hope in terms of employment, if the planning situation can be addressed.
I think many of us would agree with your analysis.
The early hopes we all had for MSE have not materialised, and as you say, it has now become an exercise in "pouring good money after bad"
This airport has been market tested and, sadly, it ain't working.
It is possible that LYX may prove to be better located, which may offer some hope in terms of employment, if the planning situation can be addressed.
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: UK
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I am a big fan of Manston both in freight as in past jobs and now in VIP passenger flights.
I would like to point out that Manston Cargo could expand when they get animal clearance to operate from the BIP, I know a major UK horse importer and he wants to use MSE rather than STN.
Also in a previous post it mentions Biggin Hill doesn't cater for cargo, I beg to differ with the AN-12 that was there on a horse charter last weekend and indeed they are actively courting certain elements of the cargo world to come to Biggin Hill.
With regards to cargo airlines, you should see more of MK they have just signed the dotted line for 4 ex China B747-200's (2 for ops and 2 for spares). African International have downsized to just 2 DC8's. OSI for Europe and OZV in CPT - although they are very busy which is good to hear.
Finally, I thought KIA had an excellent cargo Manager in Stuart Dalton, why is Flight International advertising from a Freight Manager?
Still I wish all at Manston the best of luck and a good future - that airfield has excellent potential.
Cheers
Vince
I would like to point out that Manston Cargo could expand when they get animal clearance to operate from the BIP, I know a major UK horse importer and he wants to use MSE rather than STN.
Also in a previous post it mentions Biggin Hill doesn't cater for cargo, I beg to differ with the AN-12 that was there on a horse charter last weekend and indeed they are actively courting certain elements of the cargo world to come to Biggin Hill.
With regards to cargo airlines, you should see more of MK they have just signed the dotted line for 4 ex China B747-200's (2 for ops and 2 for spares). African International have downsized to just 2 DC8's. OSI for Europe and OZV in CPT - although they are very busy which is good to hear.
Finally, I thought KIA had an excellent cargo Manager in Stuart Dalton, why is Flight International advertising from a Freight Manager?
Still I wish all at Manston the best of luck and a good future - that airfield has excellent potential.
Cheers
Vince
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Herne Bay
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A few points to make
The new high speed trains due to start 2008 Ramsgate to St Pancras
Will take just over an hour to Ebbsfleet and to Stratford will make It a lot quicker to get from Thanet to London, and with talk of a Thanet Parkway Station with an airport link, would make Manston look much better bet.
I recomend you look at Infratils web site under announcements a lot info about there Airports in EU
The new high speed trains due to start 2008 Ramsgate to St Pancras
Will take just over an hour to Ebbsfleet and to Stratford will make It a lot quicker to get from Thanet to London, and with talk of a Thanet Parkway Station with an airport link, would make Manston look much better bet.
I recomend you look at Infratils web site under announcements a lot info about there Airports in EU
I didn't mean to infer that Biggin Hill could not cater for a certain amount of freight traffic, but with Runway 21 having a take-off run of only 5,500ft and a considerable upslope, its potential is obviously limited. I was mainly suggesting that it not likely to attract passenger flights as Bromley Council currently prohibits scheduled pax flights.
I'm not convinced that Lydd will ever support any great volume of passenger flights, other than serving its immediate catchment area, as it suffers from MSE's problem of being too far from London.
A fast rail connection from Ramsgate will obviously help but I still don't think it will tip the balance.
Freight is a different matter altogether and I can see MSE becoming a significant freight terminal in the next few years.
I'm not convinced that Lydd will ever support any great volume of passenger flights, other than serving its immediate catchment area, as it suffers from MSE's problem of being too far from London.
A fast rail connection from Ramsgate will obviously help but I still don't think it will tip the balance.
Freight is a different matter altogether and I can see MSE becoming a significant freight terminal in the next few years.
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Thanet
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A fast Thanet to London link would, of course, help regular flyers like me get to Heathrow very quickly.
Apparantly the planning for this is still "up in the air", but let's hope it happens.....
Apparantly the planning for this is still "up in the air", but let's hope it happens.....
I believe the 'fast link' to Thanet - running from St Pancras to Ashford on the CTRL track then continuing to Ramsgate on existing track is a reality, and only awaits the delivery of the new rolling stock. I believe timewise it will be 40 minutes London-Ashford then however long it currently takes the rest of the way.
One interesting fact which seems to have been overlooked, though, is that with a simple change of trains at St Pancras, both Gatwick and Luton will be more quickly and easily accessable by rail from Kent..........
One interesting fact which seems to have been overlooked, though, is that with a simple change of trains at St Pancras, both Gatwick and Luton will be more quickly and easily accessable by rail from Kent..........