MANSTON -3
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Why not look at Ostend as the perfect example. Like Manston it is located close to a seaport (2 of the largest ones in Europe such as Antwerp and Rotterdam). Also like Manston it is about 1.5 hours away from a large airport (Brussels). And like Manston, it has its hopes set on cargo, aircraft recycling and the low cost carriers. And like Manston (sorry for repeating that), it is failing completely, and would not survive if it were not for the Belgium government pumping money into it.
without massive public help (= tax payer's cash) it is a carbon copy of Ostende, and the UK government is rather less keen on donating cash to money pits than the Belgian (possibly the Flanders) government is.
Manston and Ostend can not be compared to each other. Ostend as a regional airport is doing better again.Catchment area is much bigger than the manston one. Commercial operation is in the hands of a private company which is doing its best to attract new business.Also the government and local Tourist assocciations are extra promoting Flanders, with airports of OST and ANR as ports of entry.
In fact passenger traffic is increasing again and is expected to be +20-25% higher than last year. Out of OST some 15 destinations are served with multiple weekly flights.Some of them year round. True,after the loss of some important cargo airlines,freight is on the decline ,but nevertheless the airport has still some major assets for cargo-operators such as a long runway,big capacity for storage of perishables, plenty of parking space for widebody aircraft,fast turnarounds,no holding patterns to be flown,etc... It's only a matter of time and freight will be on the rise aswell. In fact,due to the presence of the chunnel,and now that Manston is closed,OST could become a major port-of- entry to the UK market for perishables coming from Africa and South-America...
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The figures for OST here are awful:
Traffic figures | International Airport Ostend-Bruges
20k extra pax does not make up for 30k tons of lost freight business!
Traffic figures | International Airport Ostend-Bruges
20k extra pax does not make up for 30k tons of lost freight business!
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The figures for OST here are awful:
Traffic figures | International Airport Ostend-Bruges
20k extra pax does not make up for 30k tons of lost freight business!
Traffic figures | International Airport Ostend-Bruges
20k extra pax does not make up for 30k tons of lost freight business!
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: EGMH..a down, not yet out, formerly awesome airfield
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Review by PwC into the compulsory purchase order indemnity process for Manston
Review by PwC into the compulsory purchase order indemnity process for Manston Airport.
https://www.gov.uk/government/public...to-the-process
https://www.gov.uk/government/public...to-the-process
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: The glasshouse, a stone's throw from you
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Why is all this money being spent on a dead duck?
The sooner the diggers move in the better for all.
Please delete this thread and lets have no more talk about Manston 'Airport' but Manston Parkland, Commercial Centre and residential development.
The sooner the diggers move in the better for all.
Please delete this thread and lets have no more talk about Manston 'Airport' but Manston Parkland, Commercial Centre and residential development.
Join Date: Feb 1999
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Looking at the Manston estate perhaps only half of the land area is required to operate a commercial airport.The remaining land can be developed to fund improving the existing airport into a viable national asset.Most local people support the retention of the airfield and all fairminded citizens are shocked at the way asset stripers got hold of the site for very little money and then dismantled the existing infrastructure as quickly as possible.Fortunately the local
electorate has delivered their verdict largely clearing out the questionably motivated politicians under whose watch this happened.Let Riveroak have a chance with their attempt to run the airport. vbr Stampe
electorate has delivered their verdict largely clearing out the questionably motivated politicians under whose watch this happened.Let Riveroak have a chance with their attempt to run the airport. vbr Stampe
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A Statement on Manston Airport from the 9300 Save Manston Airport members.
We have seen nothing to suggest that the rather rudimentary ‘plans’ recently pitched to the media by Messrs Cartner, Musgrave and Mallon amount to much more than spin, propaganda and wishful thinking. Within two days, it emerged that the ‘artist's impressions’ of the much hyped film studio were in fact copyright images belonging to Pinewood Studios, whose company name had been crudely airbrushed out. Unsurprisingly, Pinewood's lawyers have already demanded the image’s immediate removal. People can draw their own conclusions from that episode as to the credibility of any other ‘plans’ on offer. No evidence whatsoever has been presented that there is a demand for any of the mooted projects, thus what we have seen is no more than a few attractive (second hand) pictures, hastily cobbled together, perhaps in a forlorn attempt to fend off an impending Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO).
We in Thanet have of course been here before. Have we not learned by now to be skeptical of developers bearing gifts, and the foisting of unfunded and speculative property schemes on our area? The would be developers of Manston Airport, which they now insultingly call ‘Stone Hill Park’ – shame on them; a more crass and disrespectful affront to the memory of those who fought and perished at Manston is difficult to imagine – even they admit their latest scheme would require twenty years to implement, IF the necessary funding could be raised. Frankly, there are not huge grounds for optimism in that regard, given a recent BBC News investigation into Mr Musgrave and Mr Cartner’s development on Teeside. In any case Thanet cannot wait twenty years. It needs its airport open now.
Fortunately all this is somewhat academic, as we live in a democracy, and the people spoke unequivocally at the recent election. The vast majority voted for candidates and parties explicitly committed to reopening the airport, and so we take this opportunity to call upon Mrs Gloag, Ms Bradley, Mr Musgrave, Mr Cartner and Mr Mallon to heed the will of the electorate, “do the right thing” and negotiate an amicable sale The people have made it abundantly clear they do not want yet another half empty business park, or thousands of houses and vehicles clogging up the centre of their island. There is no doubt that, with investment and the right business plan, the airport can move forward to a bright and successful, aviation-based future. This is the only way to rapidly bring the high quality jobs and international connections Thanet so desperately needs, and to ease the currently unsustainable burden on airport capacity in the South East. Riveroak - a company led by entrepreneurs with a global reputation - have remained committed to their vision of a reinvigorated Manston airport for well over a year, despite many setbacks, because the business case is sound. They are backed by companies of international repute who agree with their judgment. Cargo companies and a major aeronautical manufacturer are already on board in anticipation of the airport reopening. KLM were very happy with the way their Schipol shuttle service was developing, company emails show they would have stayed on at Manston had they not been "stabbed in the back" ( their phrase) by the closure of the airport. Paul Barber, MD of Discovery Park, has expressed strong support for the airport, and said “If we are going to promote Kent as a world-wide location and don’t have an international airport, then you are at a disadvantage.” And with Central Government backing now explicitly forthcoming, the prospects for a speedy reopening are extremely good.
Mr Mallon and his friends accuse the airport’s many supporters of being driven by emotion and sentiment. We find this patronizing and offensive. It’s undoubtedly true that Manston holds a unique and cherished place in the hearts of Thanet people, it having protected, inspired, educated, employed, energized and thrilled them for almost a century. Such a powerful social legacy cannot, should not and will not be erased at the stroke of a speculators pen. And there is anger too, at the way local workers and businesses have been treated, and the arcane and opaque methods apparently used to acquire the land. But there is also a steely determination and a clear headed logic at work, which sees through the pretty pictures and sales talk and says, “No, we have been here before, and we don’t get fooled again”. That is the well rounded, highly rational and media-savvy perspective, borne from past experience, which we saw expressed so clearly at the recent local elections. How dare this latest wave of would-be developers presume to ride roughshod over the well informed, democratic will of the people.
Thanet has an amazing history and a long collective memory, and with its airport reopened it will have a bright and hopeful future. Amidst the current uncertainties, there are perhaps few things which can be said with absolute confidence other than that, should our efforts fail, and should our iconic and much loved Manston Aerodrome be destroyed and built over by speculators, those responsible will never, ever be forgiven or forgotten by the people of this Isle.
Save Manston
We have seen nothing to suggest that the rather rudimentary ‘plans’ recently pitched to the media by Messrs Cartner, Musgrave and Mallon amount to much more than spin, propaganda and wishful thinking. Within two days, it emerged that the ‘artist's impressions’ of the much hyped film studio were in fact copyright images belonging to Pinewood Studios, whose company name had been crudely airbrushed out. Unsurprisingly, Pinewood's lawyers have already demanded the image’s immediate removal. People can draw their own conclusions from that episode as to the credibility of any other ‘plans’ on offer. No evidence whatsoever has been presented that there is a demand for any of the mooted projects, thus what we have seen is no more than a few attractive (second hand) pictures, hastily cobbled together, perhaps in a forlorn attempt to fend off an impending Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO).
We in Thanet have of course been here before. Have we not learned by now to be skeptical of developers bearing gifts, and the foisting of unfunded and speculative property schemes on our area? The would be developers of Manston Airport, which they now insultingly call ‘Stone Hill Park’ – shame on them; a more crass and disrespectful affront to the memory of those who fought and perished at Manston is difficult to imagine – even they admit their latest scheme would require twenty years to implement, IF the necessary funding could be raised. Frankly, there are not huge grounds for optimism in that regard, given a recent BBC News investigation into Mr Musgrave and Mr Cartner’s development on Teeside. In any case Thanet cannot wait twenty years. It needs its airport open now.
Fortunately all this is somewhat academic, as we live in a democracy, and the people spoke unequivocally at the recent election. The vast majority voted for candidates and parties explicitly committed to reopening the airport, and so we take this opportunity to call upon Mrs Gloag, Ms Bradley, Mr Musgrave, Mr Cartner and Mr Mallon to heed the will of the electorate, “do the right thing” and negotiate an amicable sale The people have made it abundantly clear they do not want yet another half empty business park, or thousands of houses and vehicles clogging up the centre of their island. There is no doubt that, with investment and the right business plan, the airport can move forward to a bright and successful, aviation-based future. This is the only way to rapidly bring the high quality jobs and international connections Thanet so desperately needs, and to ease the currently unsustainable burden on airport capacity in the South East. Riveroak - a company led by entrepreneurs with a global reputation - have remained committed to their vision of a reinvigorated Manston airport for well over a year, despite many setbacks, because the business case is sound. They are backed by companies of international repute who agree with their judgment. Cargo companies and a major aeronautical manufacturer are already on board in anticipation of the airport reopening. KLM were very happy with the way their Schipol shuttle service was developing, company emails show they would have stayed on at Manston had they not been "stabbed in the back" ( their phrase) by the closure of the airport. Paul Barber, MD of Discovery Park, has expressed strong support for the airport, and said “If we are going to promote Kent as a world-wide location and don’t have an international airport, then you are at a disadvantage.” And with Central Government backing now explicitly forthcoming, the prospects for a speedy reopening are extremely good.
Mr Mallon and his friends accuse the airport’s many supporters of being driven by emotion and sentiment. We find this patronizing and offensive. It’s undoubtedly true that Manston holds a unique and cherished place in the hearts of Thanet people, it having protected, inspired, educated, employed, energized and thrilled them for almost a century. Such a powerful social legacy cannot, should not and will not be erased at the stroke of a speculators pen. And there is anger too, at the way local workers and businesses have been treated, and the arcane and opaque methods apparently used to acquire the land. But there is also a steely determination and a clear headed logic at work, which sees through the pretty pictures and sales talk and says, “No, we have been here before, and we don’t get fooled again”. That is the well rounded, highly rational and media-savvy perspective, borne from past experience, which we saw expressed so clearly at the recent local elections. How dare this latest wave of would-be developers presume to ride roughshod over the well informed, democratic will of the people.
Thanet has an amazing history and a long collective memory, and with its airport reopened it will have a bright and hopeful future. Amidst the current uncertainties, there are perhaps few things which can be said with absolute confidence other than that, should our efforts fail, and should our iconic and much loved Manston Aerodrome be destroyed and built over by speculators, those responsible will never, ever be forgiven or forgotten by the people of this Isle.
Save Manston
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"It’s undoubtedly true that Manston holds a unique and cherished place in the hearts of Thanet people, it having protected, inspired, educated, employed, energized and thrilled them for almost a century"
well they'll all be happy to for it then out of their Council Taxes..................
"If we are going to promote Kent as a world-wide location and don’t have an international airport, then you are at a disadvantage."
Wow!! Every County in England NEEDS an International Airport - just like Spain I guess.................................
well they'll all be happy to for it then out of their Council Taxes..................
"If we are going to promote Kent as a world-wide location and don’t have an international airport, then you are at a disadvantage."
Wow!! Every County in England NEEDS an International Airport - just like Spain I guess.................................
Join Date: Jul 2005
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Very well written over sentimental drivel, but still over sentimental drivel.
PS. I demand that the sites of all wartime air fields be turned into international airports. Out of respect for the dead...
PS. I demand that the sites of all wartime air fields be turned into international airports. Out of respect for the dead...
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You lucky Kent people covering potential losses of £2.5 million for a white elephant, in Cornwall it costs us £3 million!
I remember standing a few feet from a red headed lady renaming Kent International Airport open, it went " I would like to declare....er where are we.. oh yes Kent International Airport open"
Oh the glamour of having your own historic airport on the doorstep.....
I remember standing a few feet from a red headed lady renaming Kent International Airport open, it went " I would like to declare....er where are we.. oh yes Kent International Airport open"
Oh the glamour of having your own historic airport on the doorstep.....
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2004
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It seems necessary to remind you again that NO local council money will be spent on this. A third party indemnity partner foots the bill for the whole lot. The CPO and the operation.
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Manston will never work, never did and never will again.
9300 supporters of 'Save Manston Airport' does not equate to 500,000 passengers plus needed nowadays to make an airport viable. Some will put that figure higher.
Many an old airfield has become a successful technology park, Portsmouth, Christchurch and Harwell to name three. So which you rather have an half empty airport costing £2.5m a year to prop up or a business park costing nothing to the local taxpayer even if its vacant.
9300 supporters of 'Save Manston Airport' does not equate to 500,000 passengers plus needed nowadays to make an airport viable. Some will put that figure higher.
Many an old airfield has become a successful technology park, Portsmouth, Christchurch and Harwell to name three. So which you rather have an half empty airport costing £2.5m a year to prop up or a business park costing nothing to the local taxpayer even if its vacant.
Thread Starter
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Both previous posts are still assuming they want and need passengers to make the place a success. Riveroak have no plans in the short term to fly any passenger routes. Freight, aircraft maintenance, recycling and GA are the plans.