LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION : OTHER THAN CAPACITY LESS CONSTRAINED REGIONAL AIRPORTS NEED FURTHER ASSETS TO ATTRACT AIRLINES

Over the past 10 years, many secondary and third-tier airports in Europe have remade themselves into freighter destinations. European air freight has been growing at an annual rate of 6% between 1995 and 2000. Manston, U.K., near London, claims to be the fastest-growing air freight operation in the country. Close on the ground to London, planes flying there from Asia and Africa do not have to enter its congested air traffic control area. Improvements in the works or completed include expanded cargo sheds and a proposed border inspection post, which would make Manston attractive for perishable imported meats and fish. Other regional airports on the Continent are also pursuing freight work as large passenger hubs are constrained from growing by noise restrictions and other environmental concerns. Another source of growth is former military airports that are becoming available as NATO and domestic militaries cut back.