LOOKING back over the first month's operations at Kent International Airport, EUJet chief executive PJ McGoldrick has seen his hopes fulfilled.

Things have gone well for the fledgling airline's owner who said he is pleased with initial operational performance by EUJet and the airport.

He said: "We're about where we thought we'd be. Most of the flights have been on time and we haven't had any complaints."

In fact Mr McGoldrick said it has been the reaction from the public that has been the most startling. "We have had very positive feedback from our customers. People like the convenience we offer, the fact that they can be in their car within five minutes of leaving the plane."

The legroom on board has also been praised and Mr McGoldrick admitted the travelling public now expects higher standards from airports. "People used to look just at the fare, now they are looking at the whole package."

Revealing that they are planning to introduce new routes earlier than expected, it seems EUJet is fulfilling the public's demands. The airline has bookings right through the winter season.

Mr McGoldrick said: "The big leisure destinations and ski resorts have booked up. But some routes have under-performed and we are looking at them.”

Prague has proved to be the top seller in EUJet's timetable and the company have high hopes that its internal commuter routes will follow. "But at the end of the day the travelling public will decide. We just have to get the message out there," is the airline chief's realist position.

Mr McGoldrick recognised that the communities of North Kent and South East London hold a critical mass for EUJet. The airline's rivals also see the possibility of this migration and there has been a notable increase in their advertising in the county.

Facing the problem of rising oil costs, Mr McGoldrick said there are no plans to introduce surcharges, adding that EUJet’s business plan was based around the higher prices. This may even see the airline entrepreneur having the last laugh as rivals cut routes and struggle with their inflated operating costs.

But with another promotional campaign planned for next month it seems the outlook is positive for EUJet.

A national newspaper's attempt to expose supposed holes in security at KIA was dispelled and the Department of Transport gave the airport a clean bill of health.

So where will EUjet go now? Will it spread its wings further? Is Lydd airport a possible second base for the airline?

"That's all in another day's work," said Mr McGoldrick. "Let's get things right here first."

On the basis of this first month's performance Mr McGoldrick may need to book that day into his diary.