Manchester aims higher after topping 22 million
MANCHESTER Airport is aiming to add new routes, both long and short haul, after hitting the 22 million passenger mark for the first time since 2007.
A healthier economy, expansion from budget, charter and scheduled airlines combined with its successful ‘Fly Manchester’ campaign to woo travellers from outside its natural catchment area, were all cited as reasons for the airport’s revival.
Since January 2014, 22 million passengers have used the UK’s third busiest airport, visiting 210 international destinations including Singapore, Las Vegas, Washington DC, New York, Paris and Dubai. New routes include Cathay Pacficic to Hong Kong and Saudia Airlines to Jeddah.
Passenger numbers have grown 24% since 2010 and have increased by 1 million since May 2014.
Ken O’Toole, chief commercial officer at parent company Manchester Airports Group, said topping 22 million passengers was a “big milestone”.
“Manchester Airport’s significant growth is testament to the critical role it plays in UK aviation, providing the North and our extended catchment area with global connectivity.
“We have more than 22 million people living within two hours of Manchester Airport and our continued addition of new routes and increased frequencies is seeing customers choose Manchester, rather than other airports.”
He said that with the ongoing debate over airline capacity in the south, Manchester should be seen as the natural alternative: “It’s going to be at least 15 to 20 years before there is a solution to the capacity question in the south. We are the only airport apart from Heathrow with two runways so we should be seen as the means to service the demand that exits there.”
O’Toole said that while new long-haul routes are important and also newsworthy, increasing the frequency of services to shorthaul destinations in Europe is no less important since they provide greater choice and flexibility for passengers.
On the question of long haul routes he said the airport is “actively engaged with carriers” regarding potiential services to Beijing, Bangkok, the West Coast of the US and India.
As the infrographic shows, the most popular destinations during the past year were Dubai, Dublin, Tenerife, Amsterdam and Palma.
The 22nd millionth passenger was Thomas Cook Airlines customer Harry O’Connor, 37, from Newcastle who received a bundle of prizes when he arrived for his flight to Barbados today.
He received a pair of return tickets to Miami from Thomas Cook, plus access to Manchester Airport’s Escape Lounge and FastTrack passes.
