The union representing workers at Manston airport made a last-minute plea this morning to transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin to use his powers to keep the facility “technically open” until a buyer is found.
Unite said the minister should insist that Kent Airport Ltd, the airport’s owner, keeps its Civil Aviation Authority licence operational.
Without the licence from the regulator the airport will technically close at 5pm, with the loss of 140 jobs.
Unite regional officer Ian McCoulough said: “The CAA licence is critical at this 11th hour. Without it, Manston airport can’t function.
“We call on transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin to use his powers to insist that the airport’s owners maintain the license which will make the airport more attractive to a potential buyer.
“We understand that an American firm, RiverOak Investment Corporation, has made an improvement on its original £5 million offer to purchase the site.
“But this has been turned down outright by the owners without discussion, which beggars belief when so much is at stake for the employees and the Kent economy generally.
“We firmly believe Manston should continue as a viable airport. It is vital to the local economy in terms of jobs and future economic growth in the county.”
The airport was bought by Ann Gloag, who co-founded the Stagecoach Group, for £1 in October.
KLM has since withdrawn a service to Amsterdam and other commercial flights have been transferred elsewhere.