Charles Buchanan's brave face
"discussions have not progressed as quickly as had been anticipated" - Charles Buchanan, reporting.
"the war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan's advantage" - Emperor Hirohito, surrendering.Every now and then Charles Buchanan reports to KIACC (the airport's consultative committee).
These reports are usually a rattling good read, if only to pick out the bits where a favourable gloss is put on the less than lovely truth.
The airport sale seems to be in the doldrums. The Olympics were a wash-out, although some planes parked at Manston. Posh people's planes.
If they happen, KLM flights would be leaving at about 6am, according to Charles. Of course, the problem with that is that they would still count as scheduled night flights, in breach of the S106.
Passenger numbers have fallen to the point where it's almost a personalised air taxi service. Cargo remains at the same level it's been for years.
Nonetheless, through thick and thin, Manston is "very committed to working with our local community", providing raffle prizes for local charity quiz nights and so on.
Charles Buchanan, KIACC Manston
Reader Comments (2)
He says 96% of the respondents to his Poll would like to fly from Manston rather than Gatwick or Heathrow.
“I think 96% of the respondents to the KLM poll would like to fly direct from Manston to their destination wherever that is, if that was what's on offer, but it isn't. You would have to fly from Manston to Amsterdam and then wait for a connection from there to your destination, maybe needing a hotel for the night. That is what's on offer. There is quite some misconception in his poll. The fact is, It would be quicker, cheaper and easier to fly direct from Gatwick or Heathrow to your final destination for most Kent residents, rather than mess about going to Amsterdam first.”