Representation by Rupert Berryman
- Date submitted
- 4 October 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Manston can provide an operational base for both civilian and military aircraft. It has a long runway which is a national asset. With uncertainty over Brexit where the outcome is far from clear, there is the need to take a pessimistic view that more UK runways may be required, in the short term, to rapidly import large quantities of essential goods (to include medicines and high tech equipment) from far afield places, should they not continue be available from continental Europe. Manston has a runway suitable for landing large transport aircraft for the import of these essential goods. The airport needs to be kept open for this reason. Additionally Heathrow Airport has become saturated with aircraft movements. There is no definite decision as to where the next runway will be built yet. To relieve the pressure on Heathrow transport aircraft could be routed to Manston to allow more passenger flights into Heathrow. The airport needs to be kept open for this reason. A recent build up to the equivalent of a 'cold war' with Russia has reminded our nation of the need to keep adequate armed forces. Over the last years many of the nation's defence assets have been shed or depleted. Some military airfields have been closed. Manston has a runway of sufficient size for all aircraft (civil and military) operated by both our nation and all friendly nations. Manston needs to be maintained in order that it could be re-established as a military airfield should the need arise. The airport needs to be kept open for this reason. Manston airport needs to be maintained as a going concern if necessary by incentivising small companies to operate their aircraft from there. In this way the airport would remain maintained in order to fulfil the very important strategic needs mentioned above.