Manston Airport - near Ramsgate

Plane speaking

Maxim worked for Manston Airport until its closure in May 2014.

Brief

• Promote the airport, enhance its reputation with local residents and influencers, and highlight the master plan, which outlines the future development of the airport. 

• Demand for runway capacity in the south east exceeds supply and ensures Manston Airport is well-placed to satisfy the shortfall. Thanks to the under-utilised runway at Manston, the airport therefore needs to be promoted as part of the solution, while the Airports Commission considers the likes of a Thames Estuary Airport or expansion at other airports in the region.

Results and highlights

• Manston was established among local stakeholders as an integral element of the economic development of the county following ongoing briefings with key stakeholders, local authorities and the media.  

• Combining media relations and public affairs, Maxim successfully put Manston’s operations, including its investment in new equipment, freight success and new operators, and its charter flights, into the public arena.  

• A major project undertaken by Maxim saw the announcement of scheduled daily flights between Manston and Amsterdam by KLM. The service started in April 2013 and
 Maxim managed the media, before, during and after the first flight, and arranged a press trip to Amsterdam.
• The airport also hosted high profile training operations for British Airways following the airline’s investment in the A380 and Boeing Dreamliner, with Maxim working closely with the nation’s flag carrier’s press office.
• Employment at the airport increased, a fact that was noted by the local press and stakeholders. 

• At the time of closure, the airport was the 7th largest freight airport in the UK, and growing, with ongoing interest from the air freight and airport management press.
• Manston was purchased by Ann Gloag in November 2013 and the airport was closed in May 2014.