​AFTER three years at Manston airport Infratil boss Matt Clarke is returning home to New Zealand.

Mr Clarke, whose wife is expecting their second child, will leave Thanet in March.

He will be replaced, in the short term, by Tom Wilson who who runs the company’s European assets including the airport at Glasgow Prestwick.

Infratil will look for a permanent replacement, said a company spokesman.

Mr Clarke said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the UK and particularly my work at Kent International Airport.

“The airport has a very committed team of skilled people and it has been a privilege to work with them to provide services to such a wide range of aviation users. From 747s to single seaters, fighter jets and Spitfires you see the full array of aircraft types here and I'll miss that variety. It's the right time for us to head home though with our second child due in May and we are looking forward to getting back to New Zealand to spend more time with our family."

Mr Wilson said: "We are anticipating further growth in our passenger and cargo business at KIA in 2010 and we will continue to work with the local community to ensure that the airport develops in line with the needs of Thanet and Kent.”