Passengers in Terminal 1 will now be met by recordings of two of our customer service staff - John Walsh and Julie Capper. The eye-catching holograms of John and Julie will greet passengers before they enter the security search area to explain the liquid restrictions and remind passengers to have their boarding cards ready.

The technology allows the reproduction of high definition video at such a high quality that the holograms look real. In fact a number of passengers have been seen presenting their passports to the holograms!

Thank you to each and every one of you who voted for us at the British Travel Awards this year. We are absolutely delighted to announce that Manchester picked up no less than three awards at this year's ceremony. As well as securing the title of UK Airport of the Year, Manchester also won Best Major UK Airport, Silver in the category of Best Airport for Business Travel and Geoff Muirhead, Manchester Airport Group's former CEO, picked up a Lifetime Achievement Award for his services to the industry.

Praised for its improvement to operations, commitment to sustainability and excellence in customer service, Manchester Airport secured the wins ahead of other airports including Gatwick and Heathrow.

East Midlands Airport was also crowned Best Regional UK Airport and picked up Bronze for UK Airport of the Year!

Securing the title ahead of London City Airport and Liverpool Airport, this will be East Midland Airport's third travel trade award in just three months - a massive achievement I'm sure you will agree.

Not only is all of the above testament to all that Manchester and East Midlands have achieved as airports, but is undoubtedly a reflection of your unwavering support and loyalty. It's your votes that continue to help us achieve year after year, and we cannot thank you all enough.

Airport Angels xxx

The fantastic prize includes tickets to view the match from Etihad's executive box, with a pre match three course meal and refreshments.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates flies brand new, custom designed aircraft to over 65 destinations via Abu Dhabi. Etihad flies from Manchester to destinations such as Bangkok, Sydney, Melbourne, Cape Town and Tokyo.

Etihad has recently agreed a partnership with The Virgin Blue Group adding a further 44 destinations to their network across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning this great prize is answer this simple question:

Which airline group have Ethiad Airways recently agreed to partnership with?

Just email your answer to angelemma@manairport.co.uk before 31st October 2010.

Good luck!

On the return leg, from SIN to MAN, passengers will be able to stay on board the aircraft and keep any Duty Free purchases made in Australia or Asia

It's simple - just book easyJet from MAN throughout August and you could be in with a chance. The more bookings you make, the more chance you have of taking to the skies.
Simply email your booking references to easyjet@manairport.co.uk

easyJet operates 3 x weekly (Thu/Fri/Sun) from MAN to SSH

Check out jet2.com for fares and availability.

Please advise your customers not to travel to the airport unless they have confirmed travel and accommodation arrangements.

The Civil Aviation Authority has taken steps to protect affected customers. Customers with forward bookings can telephone the CAA helpline on 0844 856 2585.

And don't forget, agents receive 40% discount. Call 0871 200 4450 and ask for the Travel Agent discount. This is only applicable when you travel and is available for you and 3 others. Proof of employment will be asked for when you arrive.

Whilst the volcano is still active, please advise your customers to continue to check the live flight information to view the status of their flight or contact their airline for the latest information before travelling to the airport

We would once again like to thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

Further updates will follow throughout the day. Please advise passengers to continue to check the latest live flight information to check the status of their flight or contact their airline for the latest information before travelling to the airport.

Published on: 11/05/2010 08:40:00

Passengers taking advantage of this exceptional fare will be able to take advantage of Etihad's award winning Pearl Business Class, voted the Best Business Class and Best Business Class Catering in the 2009 Skytrax Awards; limousine transfer service which takes passengers from their homes to the airport in style; as well as the comfortable and relaxing lounge experience in Manchester and Abu Dhabi.

The £777 fare is available to book between 16-21 March for travel between the 7 June and 30 June and is based on return travel from Manchester with taxes and charges included; blackouts and certain flight restrictions may apply.

If you, or your customers would like to take advantage of these exclusive and limited fares visit: www.etihadairways.com

The Advanced Imaging Technology (also known as a body scanner) that has been on trial in Terminal 2 since October 2009 will be fully operational within this terminal with effect from 12 noon today.

Passengers will be selected for scanning if they meet any of the criteria as outlined in the legislation but in addition, passengers will be selected on a continual and random basis for scanning. In line with the legislation, any passenger who refuses to be scanned will be denied travel.

The safety of our passengers is paramount to Manchester Airport and our aim is to continue to ensure that our standards of security detection are world class.

MAN scooped the two customer voted awards, both of which are new categories for this year, due to our excellent levels of overall customer service.

This is yet another fantastic achievement for MAN!

A huge thank you to all agents who attended what was a really fun night.

Check out all the photos from the evening in the gallery!

Manchester Airport fought off tough competition to achieve the top accolade. Voters took into account the location of the airports car parks, hotel accommodation, the world class shopping and catering facilities plus the improved customer service levels with Manchester taking first place!

The airport would like to extend a huge thank you to all who voted and state that this award is truly a joint success between the airport and its valued travel trade partners. Not only does the award celebrate the terminal development the airport launched this summer season but also reflects the commitment of all of our colleagues in providing world class service to our partners and passengers.

Second to overall winners, BAA Gatwick, Manchester Airport still received more votes than BAA Heathrow and Birmingham International Airport.

Having won the title previously, it was still a huge achievement for Manchester to take this place in the voting process, adding to its recent accolade of Best Airport at the TTG Awards.

Undoubtedly it's the airport's commitment to supporting the trade and the innovative work undertaken with travel partners that has gained the airport its recognition and we would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of you who voted for us.

The awards which this year attracted a record number of entries are one of the most prestigious in the travel calendar and reward only the very best in the travel industry. The Airport secured the Airport of the Year Crown ahead of London Luton, Southampton and Birmingham Intl Airports.

Recognised for our commitment to the community and local environment, the airport was also praised for its drive to deliver excellence in customer service, providing a greater amount of choice and flexibility for the customer.

This is a great accomplishment for the airport and one which cannot go by without a huge thank you to each and every one of you for your continued commitment and support!

Based on a strict criteria judging process which looked specifically at our sustainability efforts, customer satisfaction and innovative technology, the airports managed to combat competition from Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Leeds Bradford, Belfast City, Birmingham International, London Luton, Glasgow.

The British Travel Awards is the largest awards programme in the UK, created to recognise and reward the best companies in the travel industry. Voted for by both consumers and travel professionals, the awards span numerous categories ranging from airports, airlines, travel retailers and tour operators. The winners will be announced at a prestigious Awards Gala to be held on Thursday 5th November 2009.

It's a huge achievement for the Group to have reached the final shortlisting stage of such a prestigious awards program. To be the only three airports listed in the category of UK Airport of the Year highlights the hard work, dedication and successes of each airport and we very much look forward to celebrating the outcome in November!

Dinner for two in Sampans Oriental Restaurant with a bottle of house wine.

Transportation to the newly opened Trevor Sorbie Manchester salon in the city centre where the lucky agent will receive a complimentary cut and blow dry.
A goody bag, glass of bubbly and complimentary nibbles are all part of this VIP experience.

TO WIN

Make a Travelcube booking to the value of £500 between the 14th July - 31st August 2009, together with any flight departing from Manchester Airport.



Email your booking details to angelemma@manairport.co.uk to be entered into the prize.

Good luck!

Concorde G-BOAC, pride of the British Airways supersonic fleet, is now safely housed in her new Concorde Centre at Manchester Airport's Aviation Viewing Park. Here, protected from the elements, she is waiting to be admired by a whole new generation of fans !

There are a variety of tours avaliable and these can be booked online at

www.manchesterairport.co.uk/concorde tours

There are a variety of tours and gift ideas for your customers to choose from!

The Bowdon View Bridge, linking the westbound exit at junction 7 of the M56 and the A556, will continue to be closed to traffic as a precaution while the Highways Agency carries out further investigations on the bridge structure. The assessment will be concluded as soon as possible. Motorists from Manchester Airport heading for the M6 south should follow the signed diversions.

Please advise your customers!

WIN VIP tickets to see Beyonce in her 2009 World Tour!

Following the sad news of pop legend Michael Jackson, the Manchester Airports Group (MAG) and Balkan Holidays have teamed up to offer agents a replacement incentive, with the chance to win tickets to see one of the King of Pop's biggest fans, global superstar, Beyonce, in concert.

Agents can win VIP tickets to see the pop sensation Beyonce in her 2009 'I am' World Tour. The prize includes access to a VIP private box, a buffet on arrival and full waiter/bar service all evening. To be in with a chance of winning, simply book Balkan Holidays from MAG airports. The best performing agents will join the Airport Angels at the Beyonce concert this November!

Please note, all booking already made for the Michael Jackson incentive will be transferred across to the Beyonce incentive.

Booking dates: 1 June to 30 September 2009
Departure dates: S09 and W09/10 (All seasons)
Departure airports: MAN, EMA and HUY.


16 places up for grabs

All bookings must be registered.

Please email your booking reference to t.burke@balkanholidays.co.uk to claim your entry.

7th November 2009 - 28th November 2009

19th December 2009 - 2nd January 2010

4th February 2010 - 24th April 2010

Your customers can take advantage of some great deals, including a 7 night BB stay at the Tsokkos Cleopatra Hotel from just £525 pp including flights and transfers.

For the latest offers and information visit www.agents.libraholidays.co.uk

Terminal Moves

Two major airlines are moving terminals at Manchester Airport this summer. Adria Airways moves its operations from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3, from which it will be operating its summer schedule and Emirates moves from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1 on 1st June.

Luggage Trolleys

From 7th May 2009, all luggage trolleys at Manchester Airport will be retrofitted with a coin lock which will mean you will need to insert a £1 or 1 euro coin to access the trolleys, which will be given back after use. So customers need to come prepared and bring along a pound coin.

New Routes for Summer

22nd May is a big day in the history of EasyJet at Manchester Airport, with flights beginning to no fewer than four new routes. You can now catch bargain flights to Corfu, Athens, Bastia and Dalaman all summer long.

Meanwhile, Virgin Atlantic has increased the number of weekly flights to both Orlando and Barbados to two every week - so there's much more choice and capacity on offer.

The Shopping Forecast

New to Terminal 1

Terminal 1 sees a host of famous names arriving in May and June, including Mango, Fat Face, Sock Shop, Dixons Accessories Store, and JD Sports. There's even the opportunity for some serious 'you' time, with be Relax and Spa opening its doors for a spot of pre-flight relaxation and beauty.

New to Terminal 2

Terminal 2's new arrivals put the focus firmly on quality food and drink, with the Observatory Bar and Real Food Company both opening in May.

Pre-order for high fliers

If your customers are time-pressed travellers who never have enough time for shopping at the airport, we have the answer. You can now pre-order your Tax Free Shopping at Attitude and Temptation, meaning you can pick-up that special something for that special someone, and do all the serious work (of browsing, evaluating and choosing) beforehand. Just collect on the way through and it's sorted. It couldn't be easier. Direct your customers to the consumer website for all the information. This can be found in the Shops and Services section.

Voting will start on the 1^st of May and you will find the voting forms in each May edition of Travel Bulletin and also on-line at www.travelbulletinonline.co.uk

Manchester Airport is also entered under the category of Airport of the Year at the TTG Awards. Once again, every vote counts in order for our airport to be in with a chance of winning this prestigious awards. Please vote on-line at www.ttgawards.com

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued effort and focus on our Airport, helping to make it the success it is today.

Please register your votes now!

We had a great response.

The lucky winners are:

Jodie Elliot, The Co-operative Travel

David Mageen, Whitesands Travel

Nikki Pennington, Travel Counsellor

Fiona Coxhead, Pillinger World Travel

Sylvia Buckley, Prestbury Travel

Congratulations - Giant Easter Eggs are on the way to you!

Thomson and First Choice - Mexico - swine flu

In line with Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice on travel to Mexico, it is with great regret that both Thomson and First Choice Holidays have taken the decision to cancel all outbound flights operating to Cancun and Cozumel, up to and including 8^th May.

Customers currently in Cancun will return to the UK on their booked flights.

Whilst we do appreciate that this news may be a great disappointment to customers, we hope they will also understand that their health and safety is of paramount importance to Thomson and First Choice.

Customers due to travel to Cancun or Cozumel from 28^th April up to and including 8^th May 2009 will have the option to make a free amendment to their holiday and select a different destination or alternative date up to the same value already booked. Alternatively, customers will also have the option to cancel their holiday and receive a full refund without incurring any cancellation charge.

Those customers due to travel between 9^th May to 22^nd May inclusive, will have the option to make a free amendment to their holiday and select a different destination or alternative date up to the same value already booked.

Customers who have made bookings via a travel agent should contact their agent directly to cancel/amend their booking and for further information. Latest information will be available on our websites. Dedicated telephone numbers have been set up for customers who booked online:

- Customers due to travel up to and including May 8^th - 0844 871 0701

- Customers due to travel between 9^th May - 22^nd May inclusive 0844 871 0702

- Customers due to travel from 23^rd May 0844 800 3131

Thomson and First Choice Statement - Mexico - Swine Flu


Following the change to Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice on travel to Mexico, it is with great regret that both Thomson and First Choice Holidays have taken the decision to repatriate its customers and cancel today's outbound flights to Cancun. These were due to operate this morning (Tuesday 28th April) from Manchester Airport.

Whilst we do appreciate that this news may be a great disappointment to customers, we hope they will also understand that their health and safety is of paramount importance to Thomson and First Choice. The FCO made its change to the travel advice very late last night and as we are sure you appreciate, while we would like to have informed our customers earlier and had more information readily available, the timing of the announcement made it very difficult to advise customers before they arrived at the airport.

Thomson and First Choice Holidays are currently making arrangements for the repatriation flights that are expected to start today.

Customers due to depart today will have the option to make a free amendment to their holiday and select a different destination or alternative date up to the same value already booked. Alternatively, customers will also have the option to cancel their holiday and receive a full refund without incurring any cancellation charge. Customers due to travel after today will be contacted shortly with more information as soon as we have it.

Customers set to travel today are being advised to call the dedicated helpline 0871 231 5704 between 8:00 - 22:00 hours to amend or cancel their holiday.

Flights due to operate from 29th April onwards are currently under discussion and decisions will be made later today.

For the latest Foreign Office advice click on the link below:

www.fco.gov.uk/mexico

Cadogan, the luxury tour operator has teamed up with award-winning airline, bmi, to offer you exclusive holidays departing from Manchester every week from 29 July to 30 October 2009. Weekly departures are available to Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Crete, Cyprus and Turkey on selected dates.

Any child under 16 years travelling with a full paying adult on Cadogan's special bmi flights for 14 nights or more gets their airfare absolutely free, saving up to £358 per child.*

The £50 per seat incentive is in addition to any other incentive you already qualify for and applies to Flight Only as well as packages so soon all you'll need to do is spend, spend, spend!

We've also got some excellent early booking offers at many of our four and five-star hotels, meaning your clients can enjoy fantastic value for money with Cadogan. Not forgetting that all clients travelling with Cadogan and bmi this summer enjoy access to the executive airport lounge at their UK departure airport completely free of charge!

Here are some examples of the packages available - call the Luxury Travel Advisors for more information or visit www.cadoganholidays.com

Gran Canaria

5* Sheraton Salobre Golf Resort & Spa

7 nights Bed & Breakfast

05 September, depart Manchester

£879 per person - book by 30 April and save £50

Tenerife

4* Jardin Tropical

7 nights Bed & Breakfast

05 September, depart Manchester

£820 per person - book by 30 April and save £48

Turkey

5* Aqua Hotel

7 nights Half Board

03 August, depart Manchester

£742 per person - book by 30 April and save £36

Cyprus

4* Almyra

7 nights Bed and Breakfast

29 July, depart Manchester

£1071 per person

Crete

5* St Nicolas Bay Resort

7 nights Bed and Breakfast

18 August, depart Manchester

£1208 per person

Lanzarote

4* Seaside Hotel Los Jameos Play

7 nights bed and breakfast

23 July, depart Manchester

£694 per person

All prices include return flights with bmi, private transfers and accommodation on the board basis stated.

Call Cadogan's Luxury Travel Advisors on 08445 600 500 or visit www.cadoganholidays.com

*Offer is subject to availability at time of booking, offer may be withdrawn at any time.

For your chance to win a 7 night all inclusive holiday for 2 people staying in a luxury 5* property, simply answer the following question:

How many Red Sea Hotels feature in their current brochure?

Please email your answer to MAN@redseaholidays.co.uk

For further information and viewdata passwords call agency sales on 0845 0722477

Competition terms and conditions
Competition entries must me received by 31st March 2009, winner will be picked at random on the 1st April. Holiday prize includes flights, 5* All Inclusive accommodation and transfers for 7 nights flying from Manchester airport. Winner must arrange own travel insurance. Holiday dates are restricted to "low season" barrier dates, as detailed in current edition brochure. No cash alternative.

The Airport Angels are therefore rewarding you on Valentines Day.

We have a choice of prizes for the first ten agents to book a holiday departing from Manchester to either Sanford, Florida with Tui Group or to Banjul with Thomas Cook Group.

For the party people, we have Saturday Night Club Classics CD on offer. For the helpless romantics you might prefer R&B Love Songs CD, and for the chick flick lovers amongst you we have Mamma Mia DVD.

When you make a booking on this route on Saturday 14th February simply email your details, including booking reference and preferred prize to angelemma@manairport.co.uk

All flights from Terminals 1 and 2 are operating normally. However, with disruption in the South East, many flights to London are either delayed or cancelled. Passengers travelling to the South East are advised to check with their airline before coming to Manchester Airport.

Weather Report
Snow forecast throughout the day with possible accumulations this afternoon

Situation
Dual runway operations at Manchester
T1 and T3 all fine for departures
T3 - South East flights delayed or cancelled:
British Airways - all London Heathrow flights this morning have been cancelled with 400 passengers and 5 flights affected.
bmi - still expecting to fly to London Heathrow but with major delays equating to 4 flights and 300 passengers affected
VLM - cancelled 3 services to London City
Flybe - Southampton departures delayed.

For clothing and accessories with an edge, check out our recently launched tax free designer department store.
Offering the very latest in designer fashion and accessories with leading brands such as Armani and Hugo Boss, your customers will find anything and everything from men's suits to ladies footwear!

Way to go Joe!

Enjoy great food and drink in Joe's kitchen and Coffee House, new to Terminal 1 arrivals!
Indulge in a hearty breakfast or take the weight off with one of our lighter bites, including a range of pasta, salads and speciality dishes. Choose from smoothies, shakes, soft drinks and a range of beers, wines and spirits or grab a tasty treat to go before take off.

Coming soon to a terminal near you…….

2009 will see the launch of many more fabulous food and fashion outlets, providing your customers with an even greater choice! Take a peak at some of the stores coming to a terminal near you:

Terminal 1…..
Monsoon, Accessorise - opens January
Soho Coffee - opens January
Fat Face - opens Spring 2009

Terminal 2.....
Burger King - opens February
Soho Coffee - opens February
Volume Bar - opens May
The Real Food Company - opens May
.

Since their launch in 1977, The Globes has recognised and rewarded the travel industry's leading companies, most innovative ideas and the strongest performers.
The integrity of The Globes is paramount to the success of the awards, as it remains one of the few awards ceremonies where the winners are voted solely by the industry - So make YOUR vote count!

Please vote for your trade friendly airport by visiting www.globetravelawards.co.uk

Voting closes on the 9th December 2008. And remember...every vote counts!!

The prestigious event, referred to as the Oscars of the travel industry, is the largest awards programme in the UK created to recognise and reward the best in travel.

Winners are judged on a variety of criteria including facilities and levels of service.

Thank you to those who voted for us!

Manchester Airport also won silver awards in Best UK Airport, Business Travel & Best UK Airport, Leisure Travel categories!

As well as a chance to look at all the developments taking place at the Airport including the new retail and catering outlets on offer in T1 you will also receive entry into the Airport's executive lounges and a chance to shop in the new duty free store, BIZA. Choose from a wide range of perfumes, beauty products, confectionary and accessories. Pleas note, the offer excludes cigarettes and alcohol.

Spaces are limited so book now to reserve your place, stating morning or afternoon tour. To book, email emma.curnow@manairport.co.uk or call 0161 489 5874.

XL Leisure Group operates flights from Manchester Airport's Terminal 2 under the XL Airways (XL.com) brand.

Unfortunately, all XL Leisure Group customers who have not yet travelled are being advised to make alternative arrangements.

A helpline for passengers who have booked holidays or flights with XL Leisure Group and its subsidiaries has been set up by the administrators, Kroll. UK customers are advised to call 0800 068 8991 and overseas customers should call +44 020 8242 4783.

The Civil Aviation Authority has also published information about XL Leisure Group on www.atol.org.uk and has also established an emergency helpline - +44 208 242 4783 - for their customers who are in particular distress.

easyJet have added 2 new destination. Sofia three times per week starting on 11th Dec, and Geneva nine times per week from 12th Dec for their winter ski season.

Jet2.com has added a new weekly service to Sharm el Sheikh for the winter season.

SunAir plan to increase frequency to three times per day from Billund to MAN for Winter 2008. The current twice-daily service will see increases on Wed, Thurs and Fri with an additional mid day service.

Turkish Airlines will increase the frequency of flights from Istanbul to Manchester from 7 to 10 per week. The increase is effective from August 2008 adding much needed additional capacity to Istanbul and greater connections to the extensive Turkish Airlines network.

Andrew Cornish, Manchester Airports MD said, " The airport has changed beyond recognition from those early days and we are constantly innovating and improving Manchester Airport to make sure that we give our passengers what they want".

Terminal one and two are both undergoing major development work at the moment. Manchester Airport passengers can now fly direct to more than 220 destinations worldwide and there are 100 airlines operating out of Manchester Airport.

Our trade friendly website aims to bring you a round up of all the latest stories hitting the headlines. From new destination launches to agent events, you can read all about it and much more, on-line!

As well as providing you with information on various destinations and new routes, you can also read about airport facilities at the Airport, from Car parking to the most recent security procedures in place. If you can't find what you're looking for, take a look at our FAQ section or alternatively contact us on 0161 489 5874.

To ensure that you don't miss out on the latest news, why not subscribe on-line to get exclusive agent access!

Before you log off, remember to check out our 'Agent Hall of Fame' to see if your face is hanging in our gallery!

The eye catching Biza store is inspired by the desire to create an emporium or bazaar of interesting and seductive products while retaining mystery and surprise.

Air Malta recently commemorated 35 years of service. Air Malta now serves around 50 destinations and flies nine times a week from Manchester Airport.

The second Spring birthday belongs to Monarch who celebrated its 40th anniversary on 5th April.

The Royal Caribbean International cruise ship 'Splendour of the Seas' will be boarding at this vibrant Italian city. Once checked in, customers can enjoy a seven-night cruise taking in the best of the Greek Islands.

Flights depart every Saturday morning between May and late October 2008, therefore the cruise starts the same day as you travel.

Eastern Airways has increased its Monday to Thursday services from three to four flights a day, providing more flexibility and convenience for those travelling to Cambridgeshire, Essex, Suffolk and Hertfordshire.

Weekly departures leave Manchester at 7.15am, 10.20am, 2.20pm and 5.50pm.

Passengers will now have to insert their boarding card in a reader before being allowed to enter the archway metal detector.

Andrew Cornish, Manchester Airports Managing Director, said "The new security screening is a big step forward. We've got new, faster, X ray machines and more security lanes than ever before"

The new route will launch on 29th September operating four times weekly throughout winter, with fares from just £27.99 one way including tax.

This destination will be particularity popular as a family hot spot and a mini break destination. easyJet expects to carry close to 60,000 passengers on this new route in the first 12 months of operation.

Customers are now able to pull up in a dedicated VIP enclosure outside Terminal 1 and drop their car keys to a team of specially trained valet parkers before jetting off on holiday or business.

The valets then park the cars in a safe and secure, ParkMark awarded car park and then at the end of a customer s trip return the car to the VIP area ready for collection.

The valet parking service will cost around £7 per day so parking for a week s holiday will cost £56 less than the £66 average taxi fare to and from Manchester Airport.

The move is part of Manchester Airport s drive to further improve customer experience and cut kiss and fly trips to the airport where friends and family or even taxis make four journeys to and from the airport dropping off and collecting passengers.

Director of Car Parks, Andy Cliffe explained: We re really proud of this first valet parking service provided by Manchester Airport. We want to offer our customers choices that make the journey easy and this service is ideal for customers who want the ultimate convenience at great value for money.

We are also very committed to reducing the number of car journeys to and from the airport. Obviously the best environmental solution is for people to come to the airport by public transport but not everyone is able to or wants to travel by bus, train or tram. The next best option is to just make one return journey to the airport and that means providing car parking here at the airport.

There are already lots of car parking alternatives ranging from Shuttle Park to the Short Stay Multi Storey car parks and this new valet parking services adds another option.

The service can be booked through www.manchesterairport.co.uk

The Airport is one of the first in the UK to relax the restrictions on the number of hand baggage items passengers are allowed to carry following extensive investment in new security screening machines, staff training and additional security personnel.

The new rules will mean Manchester Airport passengers will be allowed to carry more than one item of hand baggage from January 7th but like passengers travelling through all other UK Airports, will still not be allowed to carry any liquids creams or gels of more than 100mls / 100gms in their hand or cabin baggage. The current restrictions on the size of hand baggage taken into the restricted area of the airport remain in place with no bag larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm being permitted.

Not all UK airports have changed the rules so please check carefully with other airports for return travel allowances to Manchester.

We would remind all passengers that each airline has their own policy regarding the amount of hand baggage allowed on their aircraft and we strongly recommend that information regarding this is sought directly from the Airline before travel.

The Airport, which handles more than 22 million passengers a year, received the award at the prestigious ceremony held last night (January 15th) at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Manchester Airport s Managing Director Andrew Cornish and Group Marketing Director Kate Harrison accepted the award on behalf of the Airport. The Airport was praised by the judges for the handling of heightened security restrictions and for its commitment to customer service.

Manchester Airport's Andrew Cornish, said of the award: "We are very pleased and proud to have been presented with this award especially as it is voted for by some of the most experienced industry professionals in the travel agents.

We pride ourselves on giving the passengers the very best possible experience and it is great to see that the industry recognises that hard work and commitment."