
A minister today told representatives of investment firm RiverOak the government “would leave no stone unturned” in order to help find a way to “rescue” Manston airport.
At a meeting of the Transport Select Committee, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, Robert Goodwill MP, said prime minister David Cameron took a “keen interest” in the future of the airport. He said the Government would work with the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure Manston had a licence to operate and was “very optimistic.”
“As the minister acknowledged, freight traffic is growing and there is a very good case to have a point to point freight hub at Manston. We have identified the perishables market as being a successful way to operate and grow Manston. We thank the Department for Transport for its support and urge it to conclude its review of our business case as soon as possible to help ensure we have the best possible chance to reopen Manston Airport as quickly as we can.”