Manston Airport – MPs meet with prospective purchasers

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June 18th 2014

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Thanet`s MPs, Sir Roger Gale and Laura Sandys, have this week (Tuesday) met with the CEO of RiverOak, Steve DeNardo, and fellow Directors who wish to purchase Manston and to re-open the airfield as an operating airport  cargo hub.
 
At the meeting at the House of Commons RiverOak , the company which offered the full asking price for Manston prior to closure but had their offer rejected by the current owner, Mrs. Gloag, reaffirmed their desire to buy the airfield and their faith in its future as a significant cargo-handling and possible future passenger centre.
 
Earlier the RiverOak team met with Aviation Minister Robert Goodwill to outline their proposals and to maintain the established and supportive contact with the UK Government.
 
Further meetings will follow later this week.
 
Following their discussions with Mr. DeNardo Thanet`s MPs have said in a joint statement:
 
“It is clear that RiverOak are committed in their determination to acquire and to operate Manston as an airport, with all the job-creating potential that will flow from that.   There are, of course, obstacles to be overcome and much will depend upon the ability of Thanet District Council to bring a Compulsory Purchase Order to a satisfactory conclusion but with cross-party political support that exists we believe that this can be achieved. Literally and metaphorically we and RiverOak are in this for the long haul. The due processes may take a little time but we intend to realise our objective and to see planes flying from Manston once again”, 

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