Airport chiefs eye new routes at international event

BOSSES from the region’s two major airports are seeking to woo new routes at an international event this week.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport, parent company The Vantage Airport Group and Manchester Airports Group are attending the 18th annual World Route Development Forum in Abu Dhabi, which begins on Saturday, September 29, and runs to October 2.

The Liverpool team is being led by chief executive Craig Richmond and
also includes commercial director Matthew Thomas and Manchester’s by Ken O’Toole its chief commercial officer and Aidan Mooney, director of aviation development.

Liverpool has meetings booked with approximately 20 airlines from around the world, where bosses will be showcasing the upgraded facilities.

Craig Richmond said: “Having invested over £12m in the terminal here at JLA, we believe these recent improvements have created a ‘best in class’ passenger experience.

“This event gives us a great opportunity to tell airlines about the changes that have taken place and the opportunities available to develop their business from here as a consequence.”

Manchester is known to be keen to add direct China routes as well as destinations on the West Coast of the US.