Manston Airport granted DCO

Image courtesy Osprey CSL

A Development Consent Order (DCO) has been granted by the Department for Transport to reactivate Manston Airport as a dedicated air freight hub.

The DCO is a formal process by which Government gives the green light to developments categorised as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP).

Osprey CSL has been supporting RiverOak Strategic Partners (RSP) for over four years in all aspects of this exciting project. From informing the original business case and investment plans, supporting the planning application through the DCO process, including public consultation and public hearings, to identifying the operational aspects of the Airport Masterplan. 

As there are no operators or service providers yet in place, the project has required Osprey’s unique range of capabilities including detailed knowledge of Air Platforms and Systems, Airports and Airspace, Instrument Flight Procedure Design and Air Traffic Management (ATM) Systems and Safety Assessments.

Within the project Osprey CSL have worked with partners and already delivered over 50 separate pieces of work ranging from small operational studies to initiating a full airspace change which is integrated into the Future Airspace Strategy Programme. Osprey CSL are now preparing to deliver a comprehensive range of services in what will be a once-in-a-generation project for the UK; developing a major international airport from an empty brownfield site. 

This will include Airport Certification to EASA standards, the provision of Air Traffic Services including the implementation of Digital Tower technologies, the application for airspace and procedures and the installation of a full suite of ATM Systems together with safety assurance and regulatory approvals.

Rich Connelly, Chief Operating Officer at Osprey said: “It has not been lost on us that approval to reactivate this historic airfield has been granted just as we mark the 80th Anniversary of the start of the Battle of Britain; a battle in which Manston played a pivotal role.

"However, this project provides us with a unique opportunity to look forward. Most airports evolve and develop slowly over tens of years; frequently having to manage legacy issues and challenges. At Manston we have an opportunity to develop an airport that delivers unprecedented levels of efficiency and capability whilst, from the outset, seeking to minimise environmental impact. 

"To represent the views and requirements of a range of potential airport stakeholders this has already been a ‘whole Osprey’ project. Moving forward, we will use the same approach to deliver RSP’s ambitious plans for the site. Where appropriate, this will include challenging convention to ensure Manston Airport remains an important part of UK aviation for the next 80 years.”