Taxi Driver Online

Manston Airport sold to Stagecoach founder for £1
Infratil put Manston and Glasgow Prestwick airports up for sale in March last year Continue reading the main story
Related Stories
Airport 'could be given away free'
Plans for Manston station drawn up
Superjumbo lands at Manston Airport
A Kent airport is to be sold for £1, owners Infratil have announced.

Manston Airport is being bought by Ann Gloag who co-founded the Stagecoach Group.

New Zealand company Infratil announced in March last year its intention to sell its two UK airports, Glasgow Prestwick and Manston, near Ramsgate.

Roger Gale, Conservative MP for Thanet North, said: "We now have a company taking over the airport that recognises its potential."

In a statement, Infratil said the airport was being sold for a "cash consideration of £1, plus an adjustment for working capital variances and cash injected by Infratil".

This is expected to be about £350,000, Infratil said.

Ms Gloag said: "I am delighted to have purchased Manston Airport from Infratil as I believe there is real potential for growth that has not been fully captured."

London connection

A fast rail connection between London and Manston is "absolutely vital", Mr Gale said.

"I have said for 25 years now that the airport will never really succeed until we have a one-hour link from London to Manston. That is achievable and on track," he said.

Plans for a railway station and improved road access to the east Kent airport have already been drawn up.

The proposals, part of the Manston Green housing development, would see about 800 homes built and a parkway station on land east of the airport.

In July, Manston Airport revealed its 40-year vision as part of its submission to the government commission looking at airport expansion in the South East.

Between 2015 and 2025, Manston said it could be handling five million passengers a year and 400,000 tonnes of freight.

It also proposed becoming a principal "diversion" airport for Gatwick and Heathrow while new capacity is being built.

Mr Gale said: "I think this [the sale] is very good news for those employed at Manston."


From BBC News website

So will any airlines want to fly there and will it bring any extra work for the trade ?

_________________
lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

Prestwick Airport to be nationalised
14 Oct 2013 07:41

Nicola Sturgeon reveals that the Scottish Government plans to buy the struggling airport and secure the future of thousands of jobs

Prestwick Airport is to be nationalised by the Scottish Government.

It means Ayrshire’s airport will be under public ownership.

Deputy first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said the government took the decision when it became clear no private investor was able to commit to buying the airport on a timescale that was “acceptable” to current owners Infratil.

Now the government has pledged to return the airport to profitability, and safeguard thousands of jobs.

Ms Sturgeon said: “Prestwick Airport’s importance to the local Ayrshire and wider Scottish economy cannot be overstated – and it is vital that all efforts are made to keep the airport open.”

The surprise announcement was made to MSPs on Tuesday, October 8.

Even those in the know about goings on at the airport were caught off guard when the news leaked.

But while some are saddened that the government has been forced to step in, Ms Sturgeon insists the move will secure the future of the airport, which has been running losses of £2 million.

Prestwick Airport has been on the market for nearly two years but a suitable buyer has never been found.

The final deal between the Scottish Government and New Zealand-based Infratil has not yet finalised so no figure has been put on the sale.

But Ms Sturgeon estimated the deal to be complete within six weeks.

Ms Sturgeon said: “Over the next few weeks we will focus on due diligence, legal and commercial issues around public ownership and the development of a business plan that will allow Prestwick to thrive once again.”

She added: “We believe Prestwick Airport can have a positive future.

“It will require investment and it will take time.

“However, we believe it can be returned to profitability.”

Around 300 people are directly employed by the airport, with 1400 more associated with the facility, such as maintenance workers.

The Prestwick aerospace industry also employs about 3200 people.

And the government said these jobs should all be protected now.

Marko Bogoievski, chief executive officer at Infratil, said: “In March 2012 Infratil announced its intention to sell its two UK airports, Glasgow Prestwick Airport and Manston Kent Airport as part of a process to refocus its investment profile.

“Recognising the importance of the airports to their local communities, Infratil’s preference has been to secure a new owner with the capacity to support their future success.

“We believe that a Scottish Government acquisition of Glasgow Prestwick Airport achieves that objective and will work pro-actively with the Scottish Government over the next six weeks towards achieving completion of a transaction.”
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local ... ed-2368922

_________________

http://wingsoverscotland.com/ http://www.newsnetscotland.com/