From Manston to Manchester in 70 minutes

Scheduled daily flights to Manchester took off from Manston for the first time on Monday as the airport continues to expand its services. The new schedule offers connecting flights to Glasgow, Belfast, Orkney and Inverness and complements the existing flights to Edinburgh. Both services are with low-cost airline Flybe.

Manston chief executive officer Charles Buchanan said:

“They are award-winning, stylish destinations that are perfect for short breaks from the south east. These routes underline Manston’s value as an excellent regional airport for the south east. And we’re so easy to use. Where else can you park within sight of the check-in desks?”

He predicts demand growing for Manchester from both the business and leisure markets, now that you can get there quickly six days a week. 

“It takes over four hours to drive to Manchester, and if you take the train, you’ve got to go via London which can take in excess of 5 hours, so it’s a no-brainer. And it’s not just a time-saving benefit. Manston is a real hassle-free experience. We’re easy to get to, there’s no M25 to negotiate and you can board the aircraft metres from where you park your car.” 

Meanwhile, Newmarket Holidays will add two new holiday destinations in 2011 flying from Manston to Spain and Croatia. There will also be package tours to Lake Garda, Venice, Spain and Portugal. Mr Buchanan said:

“Flying to the sun are the routes that we are most frequently asked for from Manston. I am delighted that Newmarket has recognised this and is offering new services to Spain and Croatia. “

Thanet Extra 7th Sep 2010

Jobs created at Manston for Flybe flights

The new Flybe daily passenger service from Manston to Edinburgh has helped to create 20 new jobs at Kent International Airport. Airport owners Infratil say all the new recruits all live locally. Their task will be to ensure the passengers of Flybe, Newmarket Holidays and CI Travel which operates charter flights and holidays to Jersey, "have the best possible experience when passing through the airport", says the company.

The new members of staff will be responsible for check-in and customer service, as well as sales and marketing, operating the shop and the security of the airport. Manston now employs 112 staff to manage the airport's passenger and freight operations, including the new recruits who have just completed their training.

Demand has been so strong for the new Flybe service, launched at the end of May, that flights have been extended into the winter period. Tickets are on sale now, with passengers booking daily flights to and from Edinburgh for travel up until March 26, 2011. Tom Wilson, chief executive of Infratil Airports Europe, said:

"With the new passenger services we are now able to deliver on our promise to increase the number of people employed at the airport and play an even bigger role in supporting the local economy. As well as the 112 employees, the airport also does business with more than 100 companies across Kent."

Marta Easton, Manston's senior customer services supervisor, added:

"The team is now very excited about the return of daily flights to the airport. By working closely with Flybe and charter airlines we are very confident that our passengers will receive great customer service on a par, if not better than, any other regional airport."

kentonline 19th May 2010