KLM flights from Manston to Amsterdam will 'link Kent with rest of world'
Thanet MPs have welcomed news Manston airport is to be linked
with one of the busiest in Europe as it is confirmed flights to
Amsterdam will start in April.
International airline KLM
announced yesterday it will run twice-daily flights to
Schiphol - using aircraft that can carry up to 80 passengers.
The move comes after a poll of Kent residents saw 9,000
responses, with "staggering support" for the international
flights.
The first of the 55-minute flights will take off at 6.30am each
day, with the latest returning at 8.45pm.
Thanet North MP Sir Roger Gale, pictured
left, said: "For more than 20 years a few of us have
staked our faith in the belief that Manston has a job-creating
future as a successful regional airport.
"We have, of course, seen some false starts but this is the
first time that a major international flag-carrier has made a
commitment to regular flights to mainland Europe.
"With Schiphol's status as one of Europe's fastest-growing
inter-lining airports this move really does connect Kent with the
rest of the world and the rest of the world with Kent."
Thanet South MP Laura Sandys said the move makes the
county more attractive for investors.
She added: "I am very much looking forward to supporting KLM to
ensure that this route is a success."
KLM will begin flights to
Amsterdam from Manston on April 2
The new service, starting on April 2, could create dozens
of jobs and re-establish Manston's reputation as an ideal airport
for scheduled operators.
It might also widen the appeal for potential buyers after New
Zealand-based Infratil put the airport up for sale.
What do you think? Join the debate below.
14/11/12
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