Manston Airport expands into equine traffic

Kent’s Manston Airport has started construction work on a new £250,000 EU Equine Border Inspection Post.
 
The facility, which will open in April this year, will be capable of housing up to ten horses at any one time.
 
A dedicated inspection stable offering state of the art equipment will be located within the facility which will be licensed for the importation of horses and other animals into the EU.
 
And in an ambitious move, the airport believes it can play a key role in transporting horses for equestrian events at the London Olympics next year.
 
Allan McQuarrie, Group Manager for Freight Development at Manston, said: “With no slot restrictions and no congestion in the air or on the ground, we can offer customers a fast, professional and efficient service, ensuring the least amount of stress for their animals which have already had a long flight. From the aircraft to the BIP, the distance is less than 300 metres and it is sheltered from aircraft noise by other buildings.”
 
Mr McQuarrie revealed the BIP is part of Manston’s ambitious plans for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
 
“As well as attracting regular business from charter brokers and dedicated equine transport specialists, we have our eye on the London Olympics and have offered the facility and the airport’s services to the Olympic Committee.
 
“With the equestrian events taking place at Greenwich Village, Manston is ideally located only 58 miles along the M2 and direct into Greenwich.”