THE MP for South Thanet, Dr Steve Ladyman, has urged people to keep faith in Manston Airport, despite the collapse of its owner and its budget passenger airline on Tuesday.

EUjet and PlaneStation, its owner and the owner of Kent International Airport, were forced to go into administration after bankers refused to extend credit facilities.

But Dr Ladyman is confident a buyer will come forward for the airport and says he has had several enquiries from interested parties in recent years.

He said: "Several people have expressed an interest to me in buying the airport but all of them have been consistent in saying they wanted to buy from a receiver and not acquire PlaneStation with all its problems and debts.

"I believe there is every chance one of them will come forward now and do just that and our local community should keep faith with the airport and not lose sight of our ambitions for it."

Dr Ladyman insists the plans for the future of east Kent mean that the airport is a good investment.

He said: "We have the fast trains ordered for 2009 and yesterday (Tuesday) we had news that East Kent Access Phase 1 has been fully funded by the Government.

"So the infrastructure needed for a successful airport is there if we get an owner in with a clear business plan and real money to invest. If we do then this week's events will be a blessing in disguise.

"The airport is a private operation and it stands or falls on building a market for itself.

"EUjet tried to fly to too many destinations with out investing enough in their marketing and their brand name.

"We need a more realistic business approach at Manston and I am optimistic that we'll find someone with just that approach."

The collapse of PlaneStation and EUjet has thrown into doubt the future of about 500 airline and airport jobs.

"We must think about the people who work at the airport who will be worried about their jobs," added Dr Ladyman. "Let's hope we have better news for everyone soon."

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