Airport toasts fresh passenger number hike
ANNUAL passenger numbers at Manchester Airport have topped 21 million for the first time since 2008.
New long haul routes, an increased budget travel business with Ryanair and easyJet and continuing holiday charter traffic have boosted the airport, along with the economic upturn.
Long haul, Manchester is selling itself as an alternative to Heathrow. Recent new routes include Charlotte in North Carolina and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. In a further boost, Cathay Pacific is relaunching direct flights to Hong Kong later this year.
The 21 millionth passenger was Singapore Airlines’ customer Dr Rachel Brown from Warrington, a businesswoman travelling to Asia.
Passenger numbers have been increasing at Manchester Airport over the last few years with the airport hitting 20m last year for the first time in five years.
Ken O’Toole, chief commercial officer at Manchester Airports Group said: “We continue to grow thanks to the strength of our catchment, the support of our airline partners and the continued hard work and dedication of all MAG colleagues.
“With more than 65 airlines and 200 routes from Manchester there is huge choice for passengers, whether flying on business or pleasure. Having served Manchester for more than 28 successful years it’s great that our 21st millionth passenger this year is flying with Singapore Airlines to the Far East.”
The recent accolade also sees the start of a busy summer season at Manchester Airport begin, with over 9.3m passengers set to use the airport over the coming months.
