Future optimistic for Kent International Airport

THE future remains bright for Kent International Airport, according to its owner Infratil Airports.
Kent International lost out to Stansted in a recent tender process which, if successful, would have seen British Airways world Cargo move its base operations away from London Stansted Airport.
But Nico Le Roux, group manager freight development for Infratil Airports, is bullish about future prospects.
“While we are disappointed at the BAWC decision, the blow would have been far worse if it had happened 12 months ago as we are now seeing encouraging signs with various business opportunities.
“Rather than looking back on what might have been, we move on and we are delighted to have been part of the process until the very end, which demonstrates that Kent International is now a major player in the freight industry.
“This week will be one of the busiest since Infratil acquired the airport in 2005 with 13 dedicated freighters from five different carriers including Cargolux, which is one of the biggest dedicated freight operators in the world.
“Volumes have improved following the temporary reduction associated with the administration of MK Airlines, with more than 800 tonnes handled in a single week recently, one of he best weekly performances under Infratil ownership.
“We have a very strong customer base in Africa, particularly on the east and west coasts and as part of our business development strategy we will be targeting the rest of Africa too.
“We have processed various shipments of fresh fish out of Africa through our perishable BIP and all the participants in the supply chain have been impressed with our speed, efficiency and service levels,” said Le Roux.