An American-based company has set its sights on acquiring Manston as its base for a range of aviation activities and is prepared to invest £100 million in the venture.

The investment company has not been identified but its representatives are due to meet council chiefs this week to discuss the prospects of Thanet District Council (TDC) becoming a partner in a compulsory purchase order for the 750-acre site.

The development marks another twist in the long-running saga of the future for the site.

The owners are moving ahead with plans for a mixed housing and business park on what they have renamed as Stone Hill Park.

At the same time, RiverOak Strategic Partnership is pursuing its efforts to acquire the site through a development consent order and re-opening the airport.

The potential new contender for the site is a US logistics company with roots in Europe.

It is looking for a base initially to relocate 12 aircraft of its clients currently at a European location, and regards Manston as having advantages because of its access to London and the Channel ports.

The company is being represented by German-based consultancy DTD Consult.

It describes itself as experienced in “airline operations and aviation ground operations, including aerial firefighting, manufacturing and management consulting”.

Dale Crawford, spokesman for DTD Consult, said: “There is a clear commercial need for additional airport capacity in the South East.

"Compared to all the difficulties involved in building extra runways at Gatwick or Heathrow, Manston offers some clear advantages to ambitious operators looking for a speedy solution to their logistical needs”.

He told the Thanet Extra his clients did not want any financial support from the council and that a range of aviation-related activities, including aircraft servicing and cargo operations alongside warehousing and distribution were among the options.

But he said that passenger operations were not part of the discussions.

Cllr Chris Wells, the Ukip leader of TDC, said: “We have made it very clear from the beginning that providing an inward investor can show proof of funds, then we are duty-bound to work with them in the best interests of our residents”.

He stressed that the council would carry out a comprehensive risk assessment and be “no easier or harder on this or any other potential partner than we have been with RiverOak”.

He added that Ukip remained committed to the possibility of reopening Manston.

However, a report commissioned by the council last year concluded that the prospects of Manston being commercially viable as an airport were remote.

Consultants said it would take decades for any investor who took on Manston as a cargo operation to make any money, and even then any chance of success would hinge on there being no increase in aviation capacity in the South East for 50 years.

David Foley, of the Thanet and East Kent Chamber of Commerce, said: “Mr Crawford has contacted the chamber with an outline of his plans. We understand that over £100m is available for investment. The undoubted success of the off-shore windfarms has shown how important it is to our east Kent companies to welcome inward investors.”

Cllr Wells thanked campaign groups Save Manston Airport and Supporters of Manston Airport for their help in trying to secure the interest of investors.