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Manston may have buyer, says MP

[ March 27, 2014   //   ]

Local MP Roger Gale says he may have found a “reputable” but unnamed buyer for Manston Airport, which is set to be closed by current owner, the Gloag Foundation. However, in a interview with the BBC, Mr Gale warned that he did not want to raise false hopes, although more information might be forthcoming in the next few days.

Meanwhile Dutch carrier KLM says that it will end its Cityhopper flights to Schiphol on 10 April.

The Unite trade union has said that Manston airport could close by mid-May, following talks with the management on 26 March. Owners the Gloag Foundation launched the statutory 45-day consultation period over redundancies on the same date.

The union, which has 40 members at Manston said that the company had not had any firm offers to buy the airport and that it would investigate possible job vacancies at other airports in the south east, including Gatwick and Southampton.

Unite regional officer Ian McCoulough said: “Following talks today, the management said that it had not had any firm bids to buy the airport and the consultation period over redundancies started today. There is a big question now over the future of the airport and if no buyer is found it could close in mid-May. This is bad news for the workers and also the local economy.

Unite is due to have further talks with management on 2 April and 10 April.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-26728679

 

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