THE new chief executive of Manston airport has underlined the part he believes it can play in regenerating Thanet. As revealed in last week's Isle of Thanet Gazette, Charles Buchanan took up the job on July 1. He was strategy and communications director at London City Airport, and has also held posts with Eurotunnel. In his first public statement Mr Buchanan said:

"The restarting of daily passenger services to Edinburgh in May was a milestone for Manston. The commitment that Flybe have shown by announcing daily departures to Manchester, starting in September, is an endorsement of the work of the team here. The owners of the airport have also demonstrated their commitment to the future of Manston operations through their planning application to install a new state-of-the-art radar system. This investment of almost £3 million will ensure the continued operation of the airport in conjunction with the wind farm arrays being developed off-shore."

Welcoming Mr Buchanan to the airport, Tom Wilson, chief executive of Infratil Airports Europe, owners of Manston, said:

"It is great to have someone of Charles's background and experience at the helm. Having spent over ten years at the successful London City Airport, leading its development and communications activities, he will play a vital part in taking the airport forward over the coming years."