Mcr City Region: Airport to be critical growth driver
AIRPORT City, the £650m development will be a major driver of economic growth over the next decade, and is forecast to create up to 16,000 jobs over the next 10 to 15 years.
The project will capitalise on Manchester Airport’s combination of location, infrastructure, connectivity and land assets.
It also draws on the city region’s academic, scientific, and technological credentials, and is supported by its communications and transport infrastructure.
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Karen Campbell, Airport City director for Manchester Airports Group says: “Airport City will take Manchester Airport beyond its traditional use as a regional transport hub and transform it into an international business destination in its own right.
“It will provide a major regeneration opportunity for the surrounding Wythenshawe area and help to further boost Manchester’s
attractiveness as a major European business city.”
Hand in hand with the Airport City project, airport chiefs are focused on developing new direct flights, with China a particular priority.
MAG chief operating officer Andrew Cowan says passenger demand is certainly there for a China service: “Last year 100,000 people began their journey in the North West and travelled to Hong Kong, while 60,000 went to Beijing; and these are the types of passenger numbers that would support a direct service. It’s something we continue to work on.”
Other routes Mr Cowan says the airport is keen to serve include Bangkok, Shanghai, San Francisco, Miami, Johannesburg and Brisbane.
“The importance of long haul connections cannot be underestimated
and international routes have helped play a part in consistent passenger
growth here at Manchester,” he adds.
MAG is a lead partner in the Manchester-China Forum, which was launched by Chancellor George Osborne in April, with the twin goal of building stronger trade links and securing direct flights.
