Museum plan for Concorde

Concorde could find a home at Manston Airport's museum

A Kent airport has opened talks to try to bring Concorde to its museum when it comes to the end of its commercial life.

Bosses at Manston Airport said they were in discussions with British Airways to take on the famous jet after it retires from service in October.

The airport's managers also announced plans to start running charter flights next year between the former RAF base near Ramsgate, in Kent, and the United States.

Geoff Lansbury, chief executive of Manston Airport, told BBC Radio Kent they had just signed an agreement with Melbourne Airport in Florida.

'Attractive cost'

It clears the way to run two-way services between the airports from next year, although they still have to find an airline to operate the route.

Mr Lansbury said the Kent-based operation, if successful, should prove cheaper than existing routes.

He said: "By the time you take in the travelling to Heathrow and the parking, which isn't cheap at Heathrow, the overall cost we think will be very attractive to people.

"We have been discussing it with travel agents and we think the response will be very enthusiastic."

Manston Airport is home to the Spitfire and Hurricane Museum, which offers free entry to visitors.