Kent/Manston sold

[Humberside]

Will be interesting to see what happens at MSE. Interesting and surprising purchaser

Manston Airport has been sold for £1, with its new owners vowing to exploit its potential.

Former owners Infratil had put the former RAF Manston on the market some time ago.

It has sold the airfield to Ann Gloag, co-founder of the Stagecoach Group, which she formed with her brother Brian Souter.

The deal was worth just £1 but the overall cost of completing the deal is expected to reach some £350,000.

Ann Gloag said: “I believe there is real potential for growth that has not been fully captured.

“Having worked in the transport industry for over 30 years, I believe I am very well placed to help maximise opportunities for both freight and passengers at Manston.”

Marko Bogoievski, chief executive of Infratil, said: “We’re very pleased to have found an acquiror with a vision for Manston Airport’s future development.

“From Infratil’s perspective, while Manston was a very small part of the company’s overall asset base, this sale will result in a more focused portfolio and improve our future cash flow position.”

The deal follows the sale last week of Glasgow Prestwick Airport – another of Infratil’s portfolio of airports – to the Scottish Government.

Completion of the Manston deal will be on or before November 29.

Manston is frequently touted as a major asset to east Kent’s economy. However, it has struggled in recent years with a string of failed attempts to establish passenger flights.

However, earlier this year KLM began operating a daily service to Schiphol in Amsterdam, allowing passengers to link in with the Dutch international airport.

KLM has remained tight-lipped so far about passenger numbers.

www.kentnews.co.uk/news/manston_airport_sells_for_a_1_to_stagecoach_co_founder_1_2882492

[Humberside]

The former MD of Southend has been brought in to work alongside the current management

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.”

www.kentnews.co.uk/news/manston_airport_1_sale_confirmed_as_alastair_welch_appointed_to_turn_its_fortunes_around_1_3058114

[Thames Gateway]

Or should we call it 'Manston Skyport' now?

[Humberside]

From Optimism to potential closure. Wonder whats hapenned to cause such a u-turn in fortunes in just a few months?

A Kent airport is holding a consultation over its possible closure, the BBC has learnt.

The 144 staff at loss-making Manston Airport were given details about the 45-day consultation on Wednesday.

The airport was bought by Ann Gloag, who co-founded the Stagecoach Group, for a £1 in October last year.

Leader of Thanet District Council, Clive Hart, described the news as "potentially a devastating blow" to the local economy.

BBC South East business correspondent Mark Norman said: "I understand the business is losing money and may have to close."

Dutch airline KLM started running two morning flights from Manston, with one returning in mid-morning and the other in the evening at the beginning of April 2013.

'Very disappointing news'

In July of the same year, the airport revealed a 40-year vision as part of its submission to the government commission looking at airport expansion in the South East.

Between 2015 and 2025, Manston said it could be handling five million passengers a year and 400,000 tonnes of freight.

Mr Hart said the council had been "clear that it has supported the future development of the airport".

He added: "We have worked with operators to ensure that the economic benefits to the district could be maximised including the council's direct port of entry service and therefore this is very disappointing news."

A month after she bought the airport, Ms Gloag told the BBC: "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."

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-26646985

[Humberside]

KLM flights withdrawn from sale after April 8th
www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet_extra/news/flight-bookings-stopped-at-stricken-14551/

[kirmingtonuser]

It has been confirmed that Manston Airport is to close, as it has not been possible to find another buyer who would keep it open. About 150, mainly part-time jobs will be lost.