KENT International Airport at Manston has announced a strong freight performance for the first quarter of 2007.

The airport handled 7,841 tonnes of freight in January, February and March compared to 4,182 tonnes in the same period in 2006 – a year on year rise of nearly 100 per cent.

Freight volumes have risen steadily under the ownership of Infratil Airports Europe Limited (IAEL).

Kent International has recently taken on more staff to cope with the increase in freight operations, as well as the Kent Escapes summer 2007 programme which starts in May.

Airport general manager Matt Clarke is confident the steady increase in activity suggests a bright future for the airport.

He said: "I would like to assure all those in Kent who would rather fly direct from their local airport that IAEL management is working actively to bring about the return of regular scheduled flights."