Representation by Miss R J Swanston
- Date submitted
- 4 September 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Manston Airport was, and can be again, a valuable national asset to the UK. Its closure was unwarranted and driven by greed rather than what would be beneficial for the Thanet Area and the UK as a whole. Manston has a large runway, capable of accommodating jumbo jets. When Heathrow and Gatwick are becoming more and more congested, Manston would provide a valuable alternative.
Post Brexit, the UK will depend increasingly on international trade outside the EU. To have a cargo hub such as Manston operational would be a great asset. Cargo flights would boost trade and income for the UK. An operational airport would also provide valuable employment for local residents. In addition to the cargo carrying flights, hopefully Manston could also resume as an airport for private planes, flying school and perhaps passenger flights.
In years to come, air traffic capacity will become more and more valuable. Manston is already set out to cope with this expansion. To build over it would be devastating and sacrilege. Once it is gone, it is gone forever.
I fully support River Oak Partnership's efforts to revive Manston and look forward to the day the airport re-opens and the first flights take off.