Aviation

Kent International Airport at Manston is one of East Kent's most significant assets in terms of attracting aviation-related business to the area. Kent International Airport has planned around £9 million worth of investment over the next few years.

Kent London Ashford Airport (Lydd) has proposed plans for a 294m extension to the runway and a new passenger terminal building capable of handling 500,000 passengers per annum. Development of London Ashford Airport could regenerate the local economy and create hundreds of jobs.

Over 20 specialist aviation companies and over half the county's aviation workforce are based in East Kent. Around two thirds are located in Thanet and a significant number are clustered around Canterbury. Companies include Modern Jet Support Centre, Avia Services and AEM.

There is a steady stream of industry experts qualifying from specialist courses in aviation technology and engineering. Canterbury College offers specialist facilities for IT and engineering to ensure students are ‘training fit' for local employers.

"Kent International Airport's owners Infratil Airports Europe Limited are working to strengthen the airport's passenger and freight business and the excellent facilities - capable of handling all aircraft types, 50,000 tonnes of freight a year and 700,000 passengers a year - mean the facility has a bright future."
Neil Richardson, Infratil Airports Europe Limited.

Case study for aviation - Infratil.