New aviation investor lines up for Compulsory Purchase Order on Manston Airport

New aviation investor lines up for Compulsory Purchase Order on Manston Airport.

We are extremely pleased to announce, as reported by Paul Francis in this week’s Thanet Extra/Kent Online, that the new potential investor discussed recently has now made their intentions known in public. As detailed in the report, we have continued to pursue potential investors for the airport whilst retaining their commercial confidentiality, as part of our campaign goal to return Manston as an airport and to attract inward investment to our area. It was clear from our initial meeting that options being considered could suit our valuable local asset and our area as a whole, whilst demonstrating a genuine and passionate desire to bring Manston back into operation.

Once again, this further interest plainly shows there is a will and requirement in the market to retain Manston for full aviation use. This company’s statement of intent to base a dozen aircraft at Manston gives a clear indication that they believe there are benefits from utilising the site as an airport over alternatives already available.

We look forward to further positive news in the near future and all our fellow airport campaigners welcoming this latest demonstration of the clearly held industry belief in the viability of Manston Airport.

“A US logistics company with roots in Europe has stepped forward with a plan to acquire Manston Airport with a view to reviving aviation on the 750-acre site. Looking for a base to relocate 12 aircraft of its clients currently at a European hub, the company foresees many advantages in acquiring a UK home with close access to London and the cross-channel ferry ports.

The company is currently in discussions with its professional advisors and will be approaching Thanet District Council regarding pursuing a Compulsory Purchase Order. Spokesman for the investment group, Dale Crawford, said: “There is a clear commercial need for additional airport capacity in the South East. Compared to all the difficulties involved in building extra runways at Gatwick or Heathrow, Manston offers some clear advantages to ambitious operators looking for a speedy solution to their logistical needs”.

Links have already been established with potential commercial partners and Crawford will also be entering discussions with Thanet District Council about providing the necessary guarantees to ensure a successful conclusion to negotiations.

The UKIP Leader of Thanet District Council, Cllr Chris Wells said:

We have made it very clear from the beginning that providing an inward investor can show proof of funds, then we are duty bound to work with them in the best interests of our residents.

Local business leader David Foley who manages the Thanet & East Kent Chamber of Commerce commented:

Mr Crawford has contacted the Chamber with an outline of his plans. We understand that over £100 million is available for investment. The undoubted success of the off-shore windfarms has shown how important it is to our East Kent companies to welcome inward investors. We will be encouraging our Chamber members to supply any new development with their products and services.

Dale Crawford, spokesman for DTD Consult said:

There is a clear commercial need for additional airport capacity in the South East. Compared to all the difficulties involved in building extra runways at Gatwick or Heathrow, Manston offers some clear advantages to ambitious operators looking for a speedy solution to their logistical needs.

Chris Wells added:
“I want to publicly thank the campaign group Supporters of Manston Airport (SUMA) who now for the second time have reached out and attracted the interest of a new investor. It was SUMA who brought Edi Truell’s Disruptive Capital to discussion, and now DTD Consult. It shows how a campaign group can assist in attracting inward investment, and alongside Save Manston Airport (SMA), SUMA remain loyal to the concept of aviation back on site at Manston, rather than being wedded to a particular scheme.

I am sure the MP’s here in Thanet will welcome old fashioned capitalist competition, something they constantly tell the rest of us is a very good thing.

I am often asked what is different about UKIP. Well here it is in the words of Sir Winston Churchill
“NEVER FLINCH, NEVER WEARY, NEVER DESPAIR”;

We keep working till the job is done, knowing two or three investors is always better than one. Knowing that a logistics company could well be hooking up with our newly refurbished port as well.

Two years ago we said “Only UKIP can save Manston”; today is another step on the road to finding viable investors, whose plans must be fair and open to the residents who will suffer any disruption. Seeking such a resolution, I look forward to talking with Dale and his colleagues on their visit here later this week.”

#savemanston