New Chief Executive Lands at Manston
Manston, Kent's International Airport, has appointed Charles Buchanan as its new Chief Executive Officer, from 1 July 2010. Previously Charles was Strategy and Communications Director at London City Airport, and has also held posts with Eurotunnel.
Welcoming Charles to the airport, Tom Wilson, Chief Executive of Infratil Airports Europe, owners of Manston, said "It is great to have someone of Charles' background and experience at the helm. Having spent over 10 years at the highly successful London City Airport, leading its development and communications activities, he will play a vital part of taking the airport forward over the coming years."
Charles is excited by the prospects the airport offers. "The restarting of daily passenger services to Edinburgh in May was a major milestone for Manston. The commitment that Flybe have shown by announcing daily departures to Manchester too, starting in September, is an endorsement of the work of the team here, and the potential the airport has to offer. Having a successful regional airport is a major element in the regeneration of an area, not only by providing direct employment, but also giving access to the markets of the world."
"The owners of the airport have also demonstrated their commitment to the future on Manston operations through their planning application to install a new state-of-the-art radar system. This investment of almost £3m will ensure the continued operation of the airport in conjunction with the wind farm arrays being developed off-shore."
Charles has already taken up his position and is looking forward to playing a full and active part in the commercial life of Thanet and Kent.