Summary
- Manston Airport could potentially see the return of scheduled commercial flights after a judicial review upheld its plans.
- RiverOak Strategic Partners aims to open the airport as a fully operational air cargo hub with a focus on eco-friendly technology.
- The history of Manston Airport includes a strong legacy in cargo operations, but has faced challenges leading to its closure in 2014.
On Monday, June 10, a judicial review on plans that wanted to turn Manston Airport (MSE) into an air cargo hub was not upheld. This means that the airport is free to open as an air freight hub in the future. It also opens the door for passenger services, either private charter services or scheduled commercial flights, to return to the airport.
Potential return of services
No airline has operated out of Manston Airport since 2014, when the airport announced it was closing. The airport had switched owners several times, and prior to the closing, only one scheduled commercial service operated out of the airport. Since then, the airport has switched ownership again, this time to RiverOak Strategic Partners, which has dedicated its efforts to reopen Manston Airport as a fully operational airport. Specifically, RiverOak wants to open the airport with a focus on turning Manston Airport into an air cargo hub.
Photo: Cargolux
Most airports in the United Kingdom (UK) do not have long enough runways to allow for large cargo aircraft to land on. The Director of RiverOak, Tony Freudmann, stated that cargo companies in the area are forced to travel to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in France, or Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) in Germany to export goods. Freudmann also intends to encourage scheduled commercial services to the airport.
However, several local campaigns have opposed this effort. The majority of them cite that creating a new air cargo hub will heavily pollute the environment. However, Freudmann mentioned that the airport will utilize the latest eco-friendly technology to counteract polluting efforts.
About Manston Airport
The British airport was founded as RAF Manston in 1918. It was used frequently by the RAF in both the First and Second World Wars. In the 1950s, the United States Air Force (USAF) used the airport as a Strategic Air Command base. After the USAF withdrew in 1960, the airport was used as a general aviation airport and continued its usage as an RAF base.
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The airport was renamed Kent International Airport in 1989. This rebrand came with the addition of chartered flights and new cargo flights. The airport continued to expand its operations with the addition of several commercial services. This includes EUjet and KLM Cityhopper.
However, prior to the decline, Manston Airport was most known for its extensive cargo operations. This includes:
- Invicta International Airlines
- Cargolux
- DAS Air Cargo
- Saudia Cargo
- Omni Air International
- Gemini Air Cargo
However, charter services began dwindling in the early 2010s, with several air carriers closing up shop all together. Eventually, the airport was sold in 2013. However, in March 2014, airport officials announced the airport would close, due to daily losses that amounted to nearly £10,000 ($10,762). RiverOak took over the airport shortly after. Since then, the company has been attempting to reopen the airport as a cargo hub, but has faced several delays and hurdles.