by business editor Trevor Sturgess

A high-flying aircraft engineering firm is to create eight jobs after landing a major contract.

Amid rising unemployment and job losses elsewhere, Avman unveiled better news with its plan to take on eight more engineers at its Manston Airport base.

Avman has signed a three-year deal with Falko, a UK aircraft asset management company, for the storage, care and maintenance of up to six Avro RJ regional jet aircraft each year.

The aircraft will be stored and made ready for service when required, with the prospect of routine inspection work after delivery.

Avman's managing director Chris Wilson said: "This is a vote of confidence in the skills of the workforce in Thanet. We are hopeful that we can fill as many as possible of these posts from people who live in the local area."

Ian Dear, Falko's vice president of technical operations, added: "Manston Airport offers us ideal facilities to store our aircraft while we find new operators.

"With Avman approved to maintain the Avro RJ, it also allows us to prepare and deliver the aircraft to our customers from one location. By working together with the airport, Avman were able to provide Falko with a competitive price which led to this contract being awarded."

The Avman expansion is welcome news for an airport still reeling from the imminent loss of its Flybe scheduled service to Edinburgh.

Charles Buchanan, airport chief executive, said: "It shows that the airport has an important role to play in terms of supporting highly skilled engineering jobs in the area, as well as handling passenger and freight flights."