Airport boss Charles Buchanan hails return of scheduled flights
Comments |
by business editor Trevor Sturgess
A new airport chief has hailed the return of scheduled services
as a major milestone for Manston.
Charles Buchanan, who has completed his first month as the new
chief executive at Kent International Airport, joined the Manston
operation, run by New Zealand company Infratil, shortly after the
launch of Flybe scheduled services to Edinburgh. A new service to
Manchester is due to start in September.
Flybe is the first scheduled operator to use KIA since the
demise of EUjet several years ago.
Mr Buchanan has taken over from Matt Clarke who has returned to
his native New Zealand. He was previously strategy and
communications director at London City Airport, and has also held
posts with Channel Tunnel operator Eurotunnel.
Mr Buchanan said: "The restarting of daily passenger services to
Edinburgh in May was a major milestone for Manston. The commitment
that Flybe have shown by announcing daily departures to Manchester
too is an endorsement of the work of the team and the potential the
airport has to offer. Having a successful regional airport is a
major element in the regeneration of an area, not only by providing
direct employment, but also giving access to the markets of the
world."
Infratil is aiming to invest £3m in a new radar system at
Manston which is designed to ensure the airport is able to operate
successfully as wind farms are developed offshore the Thanet coast,
including the giant London Array.
Wednesday, July 28 2010
The KM Group does not moderate comments.
Please click here for our house rules.