PLANESTATION, which operates EUjet and Kent International Airport, has secured a major boost to its finances following the sale of property interests in Liverpool.

The company has unlocked £4.9million after selling the lease on the city’s International Garden Festival Site to Langtree Group PLC, the investor and developer of business parks in the North West and Midlands.

Martin May, PlaneStation chief executive, said: "This is good news for us as it strengthens our cash position and enables us to focus on our core assets of airport and airline operations, which continue to make good progress.

"EUjet has already taken more than 360,000 passenger bookings and currently more than 90 per cent of its flights arrive on time – better than any other UK airline – with 76 per cent of flights early.

"Our £3m state-of-the-art cargo centre and border inspection post at the airport in Manston is now fully operational and authorised to handle the import of meat and fish products from outside the European Union."

The International Garden Festival Site was purchased by PlaneStation when it was previously known as Wiggins Group Plc.