Manston closure full of surprises

It was nothing to do with night flights, it was an investment decision (surprise, surprise), Labour feels vindicated and criticises Tories (surprise, surprise).

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Airport boss calms jobs fears after Manston is put up for sale

Manston airport boss Charles Buchanan has insisted it will be "business as usual" at the airport, following the shock announcement of its sale last Thursday.

A statement from the airport said it was a decision that had arisen from operator Infratil "refocusing" its investment profile. Trying to allay fears over more than 100 jobs at the airport, airport chief executive Mr Buchanan said:

"It is business as usual in every respect. The business will carry on as it has done and will continue to do so. We would like to reassure all our customers that flights will not be affected. If you have booked a trip with CI Travel Group or Newmarket Holidays, you have absolutely no need to worry as all flights to Jersey, Croatia, Italy and Portugal will be operating as normal. I would also like to stress that jobs are not under threat and we are very grateful to our staff for their support during this time."

Mr Buchanan denied the proposed sale of the airport had anything to do with the night flights consultation which finished the week before:

"It was a decision made by Infratil shareholders and they decided what was best for them. Their investment strategy was no longer in the best interests of the airport and we are now seeking an investor whose strategy matches the needs of airport."

He added that the night flight policy was still important for the future of the airport and attracting new investors:

"The position, which I have stated all the way though, is that for this airport to be successful it needs to operate from a competitive position."

Leader of Thanet council Clive Hart however said he felt that the proposed sale put question marks over the issue of night flights:

"This bolsters my decision to hold a cheaper, in house consultation on night flights. We will consider the issue as we did before, but on the other side it seems that all is not the same. A new owner might not want night flights."

Mr Hart denied suggestions that Labour's anti night-flight stance in its election manifesto had any bearing on Infratil's decision to sell:

"From my discussions with Charles Buchanan, it seems that the delay and prevarication of the previous Conservative administration had a far more detrimental effect than our stance."

Management consultancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers has been appointed as advisers to assist in the sale of Manston. Mr Buchanan added:

"We are excited about the opportunity that the sale offers us and are looking forward to working with new investors."

Thanet Times 14th Mar 2012

Comments

['eastcliff]

They all talk such utter shite!

[Maurice Byford]

Well, if you make up figures and lie to people, then you will pay the eventual penalty.

The Tory councillors are learning that in their arrogance they too are subject to the whim of the voter. Not once have they asked their constituents about the night flights issue, like the lick spittle Chamber they have simply gone cap in hand to the Lord of the Manor Buchanan and bowed and scraped their obeisance.

Manston is economically unviable - that could change very easily, but not with that plug Buchanan at the helm.

[Oh Dear]

Any of these people may be able to keep residents updated on developments at the airport, rather than getting mutterings from the cryptic Oh Dear.

Kent Airport, United Kingdom, PO Box 500, Manston, Kent, CT12 5BP, United Kingdom
Kent Airport, United Kingdom, Main Terminal Building, Manston, Kent, CT12 5BP, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1843 823600
Tel: (Freight) +44 (0)1292 511141, +44 (0)1843 824816
Tel: (Business Development) +44 (0)1843 824821
email: amcquarrie@infratilairports.com
Website: www.manstonairport.com
Telex: 965446 KIAOPS G
SITA: MSESEXH
AFTN: EGMHZPZO
Marketing Manager: Allan McQuarrie +44 (0)1292 511215
Cargo Manager: Gary Blake +44 (0)1843 824819
Chief Commercial Officer: Graeme Sweenie
Passenger Development Manager: Paula Horne
Chief Executive Officer: Charles Buchanan
Operator: Infratil Kent Airport Ltd

Link:http://www.azworldairports.com/airports/a2720mse.cfm

[Oh Dear]

The above information is a little outdated as Allan McQuarrie was brought down from Prestwick to try to help save Manston in December 2011.

['eastcliff]

In the words of Infratil to it's shareholders:-

"Confidence enables “no-regret” decisions to be executed:-
*Sale of underperforming assets – e.g. Prestwick/Kent"

It's as simple as that! No tears, no regrets, cut the losses and run!

http://www.infratil.com/media/PDF/2012investorday_ceo.pdf

All the woolly-headed thinking comes from the commercially inexperienced buffoons in the Local authorities who've been playing about with public money and that also includes Infratil's shareholders... applying for UK Government subsidies indeed... benefit scroungers of the worst kind!

[Oh Dear]

Unlikely and stop trying to be me

[Oh Dear]

It's unlikely that the aforementioned employees of Infratil can keep residents updated, perhaps meaning they don't want to be called and asked, or they really don't know?

How can I stop trying to be you I don't know who you are?

But Oh Dear if that last comment is from the virtual Oh Dear, it's surprisingly brief!

Out with the boys last night?

[Oh Dear]

You seem a little confused, I thought they were told to keep you away from the computer. All of which explains the mindless meanderings