With over 20 million people passing through on an annual basis, an airport presents a readily available audience with which to communicate to green issues. Manchester Airport is looking to capitalise on this by launching environmental learning zones within its terminals. Professor Callum Thomas from the Centre for Air Transport and the Environment at Manchester Metropolitan University launched the first zone today.

The airport has a commitment to be carbon neutral for its ground operations to be reached by 2015 and has constructed its learning zones so passengers who use the airport can hear about the progress being made on this UK first position.

2009 has already been a year of several firsts for the airport on the environment front with the unveiling of recycling super zones, the opening of the low carbon Concorde Centre, the launch of carbon offsetting on the website and the opening of the third rail platform at the airport station.

Perhaps one of the most significant achievements was the awarding of the Carbon Trust Standard in February. The achievement saw the airport being the first airport in the UK to meet the target and saw independent verification of the airport's carbon reduction measures. This work has subsequently continued with the airport signing its service partners up to its Community Carbon Pledge, which seeks their support in attaining the carbon neutral target and asking them to demonstrate a reduction in carbon emissions. There are several hundred partners on site.

Further projects have focused on adding electric Smart Cars to the fleet and support to bus services serving the airport, which assists in bringing down the carbon emissions associated with travel. The airport was allocated several prototype electric cars as part of a Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform-funded partnership with the airport group sourcing a proportion of its electricity from renewable sources.

The forecast growth of the aviation sector has to be accompanied by stringent measures to manage and limit the environmental impacts and the airport is taking leading strides to tackle those impacts with its work on the environment, on ground transport and with its work in the community and particularly in the education sector. The zones will be a welcome addition to that education programme. Education already takes a front seat in the work taking place at both the Aviation Viewing Park and in the Community Relations department, which works with several schools in the area.

Tim Walmsley, Head of Environment at Manchester Airport, said: "The issue of aviation and the environment is one that in general still splits the opinion of the public, the decision makers and the media. However, we've done much here at Manchester and across our Group of airports to mitigate the environmental impacts of aviation using leading edge research at the Centre for Air Transport and the Environment at Manchester Metropolitan University. These zones will give us an opportunity to spread the knowledge of our work to our passengers and staff who share those concerns about the environment."
The airport has always put the importance of research at the forefront of all of its work on the environment and continues to work with the nationally focussed Omega programme, another centre of education based in Manchester leading on research into aviation sustainability issues in the UK.
The zone is located in the airport's station on the route between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

ENDS

Building work is well underway on the site of the brand new £19m MEA in Wythenshawe and to celebrate progress to date, a number of pupils, along with Principal Designate Marie Quayle, will be signing and dating one of the beams at the new building.

The Academy, which is one of seven across the city and one of the first to open, will provide 750 places for 11-16 year olds and post 16 provision for 120 students from 2010.

It will open in September 2009 and be based in the existing Parklands High School buildings for its first year, before moving into brand new purpose built facilities on the same site in September 2010.

Sponsored by Manchester Airport with co-sponsorship from Willow Park Housing Trust, Manchester City Council and The Manchester College,
MEA will be a totally new way of educating young people to meet the learning needs of the city's businesses.

Marie Quayle, Principal Designate of MEA says: "The beam signing ceremony is another milestone bringing us closer to the opening of what will be a wonderful resource, not only for the students, but for parents and the community of Wythenshawe as a whole. "

Andrew Cornish, Manchester Airport's Managing Director, says: "At Manchester Airport, we believe that we have a responsibility to the community's schools, colleges, teachers and students. Throughout every level of our business, we have already been actively involved in the project; helping to manage the design of the new school building, recruiting staff and offering support to the development of the Academy and its curriculum. We believe it's set for a bright new future, having secured 'Academy' status and having seen first hand the work that has been going on behind the scenes in preparation for the new school year in September."

The Academy will differ from existing schools in that sponsors will work alongside teachers to design learning and assessment materials. All students will have personal mentors as well as round the clock access to materials and support to encourage 'anytime, anywhere learning.'

The site will be open from 7am to 10pm and will become the hub of the community giving parents, families and the whole community the opportunity to benefit from the facilities.

Councillor Sheila Newman, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for Children's Services, says: "The MEA will be a new and exciting place to learn and will help ensure that our children and young people gain the skills and qualifications demanded by employers. The Academy will be a huge boost for Wythenshawe and will contribute to the ongoing regeneration of the area as a whole."

For more information about Manchester City Council visit www.manchester.gov.uk

ENDS

The work of the Community Relations team at Manchester Airport was honoured with two 'Big Tick' awards at the BITC North West's 2009 Awards Gala Dinner held at The Monastery Manchester in Gorton.

The Big Ticks are the UK's most influential independent, peer-assessed corporate responsibility awards, recognising and celebrating those companies who have shown innovation, creativity and a sustained commitment to corporate responsibility.

Manchester Airport was awarded the 'Merrill Lynch Education Award' for its 'Education into Employment' programme. The airport is already the lead sponsor of Parklands High School, shortly to become the Manchester Enterprise Academy. In addition to supporting Parklands, the airport also supports three other Wythenshawe secondary schools and one in Knutsford. The airport's programme of activity seeks to link its employees with the six key local schools and leverage additional support though our contractors and service partners on site.

Manchester Airport's Managing Director, Andrew Cornish, said; "Over the last twelve months we have continued our work with our neighbouring communities and schools. Our intentions remain the same, to add value and create opportunity. Our social responsibility activities are at the core of our business and we embrace the opportunities that they provide to develop our own staff."

The team was also successful with the 'Power in Partnership Award' - for companies, who collaborate to positively impact communities - was also awarded to Manchester Airport on behalf of BW3 (the Business Working With Wythenshawe) group. Formed in 2002, BW3 is an alliance of companies who are based in Wythenshawe or who have a special affinity to the area. BW3 is an independent employer led group of organisations chaired by Manchester Airport and aims to support the social and economic regeneration of Wythenshawe through community involvement activities.

Raksha Pattni, Regional Director, Business in the Community, said: "I would like to congratulate Manchester Airport for the work which has led to them being recognised in two award categories. The Airport's commitment to and understanding of the importance of developing opportunities in its local community is particularly impressive.

"Now more than ever, at a time of reduced income and spending power and diminishing trust in business, businesses need to demonstrate that to be a leading company is to be a responsible one. The Big Tick winners in the North West are certainly flying the flag for responsible business here, and I hope will prove valuable inspiration for others following in their footsteps."

The team was also nominated for the 'The Lancaster University Management School Award for Leadership for Sustainability' in recognition of exceptional leadership contributing to a more sustainable society. This came from their work with the Airport Community Network. The aim being to improve the opportunities and experiences offered to local people to give them the chance to access careers.

15 June 09

The development of Manchester Airport into an international gateway continues apace, this month attracting airport CEOs from all over Europe to Manchester for the annual assembly and congress of ACI EUROPE, the voice of Europe's airports.

Running from the 15th to the 17th June, the ACI EUROPE Annual General Assembly, Congress and Exhibition, is firmly established as the most important date for air transport Chief Executives and industry leaders. Addressing the most important issues facing the aviation industry, the event typically attracts hundreds of senior executives from airports and airlines as well as national and European-level legislators and regulators, consultants, suppliers and the media.

At this year's event, topics under discussion will include the long-term effects of the current recession and improving the current public image of aviation. The event will also see the launch of Airport Carbon Accreditation, the first international, independently-verified, institutionally-endorsed accreditation programme for the measuring, reporting and reducing carbon emissions from airport operations. This follows up on the landmark resolution at last year's ACI EUROPE assembly in Paris, when airports committed to reducing their carbon emissions with the ultimate goal of carbon neutrality, something MAG is already well on its way to.

Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI EUROPE, said: "Given its long standing commitment on environmental issues, it is only fitting that our annual assembly and congress is hosted this year by the Manchester Airport Group, especially as this will see the launch of Airport Carbon Accreditation. This landmark initiative is a shift from airports focusing on purely local environmental impact through individual action to global impact through collective action. The fact that we are launching it in the midst of the current crisis only reflects the strength of the European airport community's commitment to sustainability."

The event will also see environmental experts Peter Lockley from WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) and Steve Howard from The Climate Group visit Manchester to examine whether the aviation sector is moving fast enough to meet carbon neutrality - a subject that is close to the heart of the Manchester Airports Group, with its own carbon neutral ambition.

Geoff Muirhead, Chief Executive of MAG, said: "We're delighted to host the event in Manchester and to bring senior executives and government ministers to debate the issues affecting aviation.. Aviation has been key in the development of the city and the region's economy and we want to continue to maximize the benefits aviation brings while mitigating its impacts. Our partnership with the ACI EUROPE allows us to speak to a wider audience and the new Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme will allow airports like ours to continue to develop in a balanced and sustainable manner."

The event takes place at Manchester Central, formerly the G-MEX Exhibition Centre; and will also include the award ceremony for the 2009 ACI EUROPE Best Airport Awards.

The Omega Partnership, a research partnership based at Manchester Metropolitan University, will also be hosting a supporting workshop about the implications of climate change for the future development of airports.

The full programme can be viewed at http://www.aci-europe-events.com/annual-general-assembly/conference/conference-programme.php

ENDS

Manchester, June 2nd 2009: Manchester Airport today announced the launch of Recycle Zone within their newly refurbished airside terminals to further bolster the airport's already successful recycling initiatives. The largest airport outside of London, the aim of the zones will be to recycle an additional 200 tonnes of waste from the terminals per year.

The 'Recycle Zones', which are part of a collaboration between the airport, Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd. and WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) will give the 20 million passengers that travel through the airport yearly, the opportunity to recycle their plastic bottles and paper whilst, literally on the move.

The airport has adopted the innovative scheme driven by Coca-Cola Enterprises and WRAP as part of an ongoing roll-out of recycling projects across the airport.

The first airport to launch the zones, Manchester Airport marks an important step in a three year vision of Coca-Cola Enterprises to create several high profile, high footfall Recycle Zones by 2011. Other locations will include major tourist destinations, shopping centres, and other international travel hubs such as Edinburgh Airport, which will launch in the coming months. The scheme intends to build on the consumers interest in recycling at home and when on the move.

Tim Walmsley, Head of Environment at Manchester Airport, says: "This is one measure in a range that we're rolling out to deal with the thousands of tonnes of waste we collect on site here at Manchester. We have always been enormously proactive in promoting the recycling of materials throughout the airport, working alongside the waste and cleaning contractors on site, and we are sure that as the first airport to adopt this initiative, it will be a successful collaboration. The scheme assists us in helping to improve the customer experience for our passengers and we are confident they will be making full use of these facilities."

The 125 bins that have been specially designed by Wybone to meet the airport's requirements, and will be located in the terminals and departure gates to capture the 1 million plastic bottles and paper waste at the point of consumption. Manchester Airport sees the scheme as not only encouraging people to recycle their empties but also to remind them to think about recycling as part of their everyday life.

Erika Coghlan, VP, Coca-Cola Enterprises, said: "We are delighted to launch the first airport Recycle Zone at Manchester. Not only will this help save the environment, but the innovative way in which the airport has chosen to adopt the scheme will also help educate the travellers about recycling when they leave the house. People have increased their recycling at home and at work, but it's less convenient to recycle when you're 'on the go'. Recycle Zones make it easy for people to choose to recycle precisely when they need to - just when they've finished their drink."

Marcus Gover, Director of Market Development at WRAP, said: "WRAP's Recycle Now campaign has helped to make recycling an important part of our daily lives. As one of the many recycling initiatives that has been adopted by Manchester Airport, including a scheme to recycle the 350 tonnes of Liquid Ban packaging received by the airport per year, this scheme will help recycle the waste of the 22 million passengers within the terminals, making them ideal places to locate Recycle Zones. We hope to divert a high proportion of waste from landfill with this scheme."

In partnership with recycling charity, Recoup, Recycle Zone offers up to 10 days technical consultancy to each participating location to enable them to adopt best practice for collection and recycling for drinks bottles and paper waste.

Manchester Airport, MIDAS and Marketing Manchester partnership event to promote global business initiative for city and region

Manchester's position as a central hub for global business and an international gateway to the UK will be championed at a major event attended by international business leaders at Manchester Airport.

The all-day event at Manchester Airport's Concorde Conference Centre on Wednesday, 17th June is being staged jointly by Manchester Airport, Marketing Manchester and MIDAS, Manchester's inward investment agency, supported by funding from the North West Regional Development Agency's (NWDA) through its Air Services Development Fund (ASDF).

The event will be attended by international business leaders, and Manchester and North West civic and corporate executives, and is designed to position Manchester and the wider region as the best location for business, to showcase the existing and future international air routes and celebrate the unveiling of the £80m investment in Manchester Airport.

Three panel-led discussions chaired by Brian Groom, UK business and economic editor of The Financial Times, will highlight and promote opportunities for trade and investment in the city and region over the next decade.

The breakfast session will focus on global long haul opportunities and panellists include a senior representative from Emirates airline, Geoff Muirhead, chief executive of Manchester Airport Group, and Barbara Spicer, chief executive of Salford City Council.

The lunchtime panel is focused on the USA and features Andrew Cornish, managing director of Manchester Airport, Sir Howard Bernstein, chief executive of Manchester City Council, Andrew Stokes, chief executive of Marketing Manchester, and Colin Sinclair, chief executive of MIDAS. A senior executive from American Airlines is also due to join the lunchtime panel.

The afternoon session will debate the Indian market and includes a senior representative of Indian international airline Jet Airways, Andrew Harrison, commercial director at Manchester Airport and Tim Newns, director of business development at MIDAS.

Andrew Cornish, managing director of Manchester Airport, said: "The international theme of this key event allows us to showcase Manchester Airport's status as a global gateway to Northern England and to promote our case for being the best airport for business."

Andrew Stokes, chief executive of Marketing Manchester, said: "This gathering represents an outstanding opportunity to boost the regional economy by attracting more corporate and leisure business to Manchester and further afield."

Colin Sinclair, chief executive of MIDAS, said: "This is a landmark event in our ongoing campaign to show the world that Manchester and indeed the North West is the right choice for businesses worldwide, in support of the development of strategic air routes into and out of Manchester Airport."

The day of events concludes with a gala dinner in the Concorde hangar to be attended by the business leaders and VIPs from the Manchester city region, elsewhere in the UK and overseas and senior executives of airlines and key partner organisations. Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council and Geoff Muirhead will host the dinner and Nick Brooks-Sykes, Head of Tourism Marketing at NWDA will make an address.

Real Time Tomography baggage screening systems also promises to reduce airport delays and improve efficiency

Passengers travelling through Manchester Airport may soon feel the benefit of improvements to airport security thanks to new high-speed passenger baggage screening X-ray technology being trialled on site. The Airport has a commitment to making air travel as easy as possible for passengers and has been testing an advanced security screening technology called Real Time Tomography, or RTT, since the end of 2008.

Manchester Airport has invested close to £2 million in a combined development project with Rapiscan Systems, a leading UK-based supplier of security inspection systems whose engineering and manufacturing facilities are located in Congleton, Cheshire, and Salfords in Surrey. The most recent phase of this joint effort has been the deployment for testing purposes of Rapiscan's RTT hold baggage security screening system. RTT is designed to generate extremely high-resolution 3-D X-ray images of passenger baggage at far higher speeds and greater reliability than any other technology currently available. As a result, RTT promises to significantly improve detection of potential threats to aviation security, reduce delays in baggage handling, increase the efficiency of airport operations and improve the overall experience of airport customers.

Mike Fazackerley, Customer Service Director for Manchester Airport, said: "The RTT has the potential to dramatically improve the security process. Safety and security aligned to customer service present major challenges to our business, yet with this major investment into our security process, we continue to reflect how important we place safety in our operations. The ongoing security issues in the UK present serious cost implications for our business. Any opportunity to invest in technology that enables us to meet security regulations, while making the passenger experience simpler, is something we're willing to experiment with and has been evidenced in this partnership."

The RTT system works unlike other systems on the marketplace. Thanks to its innovative fixed gantry design, the RTT captures images of baggage at several times the speed of existing baggage screening technologies with higher resolution and lower anticipated maintenance costs. RTT is also designed to lower the airport's overall cost of ownership because it can be integrated with an airport's high-speed baggage handling system and can accommodate significant increases in baggage handling volumes as airport usage grows over time.

Terry Whittock, Rapiscan Systems Managing Director for Europe, the Middle East and Asia, comments: "Passenger safety is of course the main imperative behind our development of the RTT system. Airport operators are challenged to deliver passengers and their baggage to their destination both safely and quickly. Recently, increased security measures have caused delays as suspect bags have had to be manually inspected or re-scanned. The installation of the RTT system will mean that the travelling public will be safer and far less likely to be hindered by the delays caused by misplaced baggage and current hold baggage screening processes."

The Airport is expecting upwards of 20,000 additional passengers to fly to show their team some support on the 26 and 27 May when they play FC Barcelona.

This equates to 44 additional flights and will give a substantial boost to overall passenger numbers for the period, plus significant increases in retail sales.

Extra staff will be on shift to help ensure the Manchester United fans' journey through the airport is as easy as possible.

Manchester Airport Managing Director Andrew Cornish said: "The whole airport is gearing up for a very busy period with extra volume of football flights and staff and senior managers across the business have been working very hard operationally. It's obviously great news for Manchester United that they've reached the final but it's also excellent news for Manchester Airport and for the region as a whole.

"We are expecting to be very busy as the fans fly in and out and we will, of course, bring in extra staff to help speed the fans through as efficiently as possible. We will be working closely with the airlines over the next days to meet the demand for flights and are committed to making the fans' journey as simple and enjoyable as possible."

Passengers are being reminded to be aware of the security restrictions before they check-in to ensure they make their flight on time.

The restrictions mean that passengers are only allowed to take 100 mls or less of liquids, pastes and gels in containers through security and these have to be declared separately from hand luggage in a one-litre capacity, re-sealable plastic bag.

For further information on the security restrictions please visit www.manchesterairport.co.uk.

- Ends -

Three new appointments for Enterprise Academy

Three senior appointments have been made at one of Manchester's first academies, which will open in Wythenshawe this September.

The £19m Manchester Enterprise Academy (MEA) in Woodhouse Park is a totally new way of educating young people to meet the learning needs of the city's businesses.

Nikki Birch, from Manchester, has been appointed as Vice Principal - Deep Learning, Teresa Johnson, also from Manchester has been appointed Vice Principal - Extended Academy and Community and Damian McGuire from Stockport has been appointed as Corporate Services Manager.

Nikki, who is married with a three year old daughter, has worked in various educational roles in the Midlands including Head of Sixth Form at Dame Elizabeth Cadbury Technology College in Birmingham, Deputy Head at Stourport High School and Sixth Form Centre in Worcestershire, rated outstanding by OFSTED, and most recently, Consultant Deputy Head, training other deputies in Worcestershire about the curriculum and timetabling.

In her new role at MEA, Nikki will raise standards and opportunities open to students through developing a personalised curriculum tailored to the needs of the students, and have a clear focus on learning and teaching.

She says: "It's a real privilege to be able to work with the Wythenshawe community. One of our key aims as the Manchester Enterprise Academy is to provide a caring, disciplined environment where learning can flourish and be enjoyed by all."

Former Deputy Head at Barr's Hill School and Community College in Coventry, Teresa's role was to develop Barr's Hill as a full service extended school and work with the local authority to help extend all schools in Coventry. Teresa, who has two grown up children, has held a number of senior roles including National Director of the 'Share' parental involvement programme as well as Director of Vocational Education and Assistant Head at Shenley Court School and Sixth Form Centre in Birmingham.

Teresa's role at the Enterprise Academy will see her taking responsibility for developing full service provision including out of hours learning, support and involvement of parents including family learning and the transition from primary school.

She says: "I am very excited about my appointment and am really looking forward to getting to know the staff, students, parents, primary schools and the wider community. I am also eagerly anticipating working together with our community partners to provide a range of exciting opportunities for people of all ages in Wythenshawe."

Damian McGuire, a chartered accountant, joins the Enterprise Academy following a number of finance roles in various industries, most notably Finance Director of Independent Pharmacy Care Centres plc which was sold to Lloyds Pharmacy in 2007.

As Corporate Services Manager, he will not only be responsible for the financial aspects of the Academy, but also all of the non-educational support facilities and helping the Principal and other members of the Academy team with its strategic development.

Damian, who is married with a six months old son, says: "I am looking forward to the new challenges ahead for the Academy and I am so pleased to be involved and, in particular, in providing opportunities for young people, similar to those I benefited from."

Marie Quayle, Principal Designate of the MEA says of the appointments: "I am delighted to have Nikki, Teresa and Damian on board. We are working as a team to ensure that MEA provides the best opportunity for students, staff and the community. Learning and business is at the heart of all we do. Since their appointments, a tremendous amount of work has been done to plan for the personalised curriculum, extended Academy and community links and financial planning to ensure we get the best for all involved."

Councillor Sheila Newman, Executive Member Children's Services, Manchester City Council, says: "This is a trio of highly experienced staff who I am confident will play an active role in supporting the Academy's ethos, aims and objectives."

Andrew Cornish, Manchester Airport's Managing Director, says: "Our growth will bring greater opportunities with one of our challenges being to match the demands of aviation with the skills and abilities of local people. This is a major opportunity to support the regeneration of local communities and being lead sponsor of the Academy allows us to be involved in a different type of learning experience for a new generation."

The academy, which is one of seven across the city, will provide 750 places for 11-16 year olds and post 16 provision for 120 students from 2010.

It will be based in the existing Parklands High School buildings for its first year, before moving into brand new purpose built facilities on the same site in September 2010.

The MEA is sponsored by Manchester Airport with co-sponsorship from Willow Park Housing Trust, Manchester City Council and The Manchester College.

For more information see Manchester City Council

This change follows a decline in new cases of Swine Flu since the peak on 26 April (with no new cases since 09 May) and takes into account information and advice from a variety of sources, including the UK Health Protection Agency.

The operators of the flights between Manchester and the popular Mexican resort of Cancun - Thomas Cook Airlines and Thomson Airways/First Choice - have provided the following information:

• Thomson advise: "Normal booking conditions apply for travel from 1 July 2009 onwards." Passengers due to travel before this date, should call 0871 231 4691 for further advice and information.
• Thomas Cook advise: "All Mexican (Cancun) flights and holidays up to and including 21st May remain cancelled. For travel from 22nd May and beyond, normal booking conditions apply on all Cancun holidays."

All passengers travelling to Mexico should contact their airline or travel agent for confirmation before departure.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office also advises that travellers to an area of the world affected by swine flu should ensure they have access to adequate healthcare and insurance before travelling. They should be aware of the flu-like symptoms associated with swine flu and consult a doctor immediately if they exhibit these symptoms.

British nationals should continue to follow local advice on precautions to take to avoid exposure to the influenza. Any further FCO updates will be available on the FCO website.

Working in partnership with Excel Coaches, the new 'airportbycoach' service will provide a direct service between the UK's Largest Regional Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport - with stops in central Manchester, Warrington, Widnes and Liverpool city centre.

Bob Longworth, Ground Transport Manager at Manchester Airport, said: "With a short journey time to Merseyside, we are confident that people will find it extremely convenient and an excellent alternative to their car. The new route will provide access to a high quality regular coach link to over 1 million Manchester Airport passengers every year. All coaches will arrive and depart from the Airport Station which offers quick and easy access to all three of our terminals, which serve over 200 destinations."

A fleet of stylish, high quality coaches will serve the route; equipped with free Wi-Fi access, air conditioning, reclining seats, generous legroom, toilet facilities and spacious luggage hold. Passengers can also take advantage of a taxi add-on service, connecting them to the nearest coach stop, direct from their front door.

Excel Coaches Managing Director, Graham Hayden, commented: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with Manchester Airport on this new service and are extremely confident it will meet passenger demand for this route in the Merseyside and Greater Manchester regions. This new service will help us build on our own successful route network at the airport and will provide another important link for people living in the North West of England."

The airport sees several opportunities for new express, inter-urban services, especially to those areas with good motorway access and no direct rail link. It is hoped with the availability of new products such as dedicated services like this new route and improved facilities, coach operators could attract up to 10% of passenger trips by 2030. Coach travel presently serves around 2.5% of the passenger market to Manchester Airport.

The new service began on 01 May 2009 with online bookings accepted. Return adult fares from central Manchester start at £4.80, Warrington - Manchester Airport from £9.50 and Liverpool - Manchester Airport from £14.30. For further details log onto www.airportbycoachmanchester.com

-ENDS-

SWINE FLU STATEMENT

We advise any passengers scheduled to be travelling to Cancun from Manchester over the coming days to get in touch with their airline for further updates. 8 flights a week operate between Manchester and Cancun.

As a precaution, a Thomas Cook flight (TCX234L) which arrived at 07:30 this morning from Cancun was met by staff from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) after a passenger reported feeling unwell. The passenger was later well enough to be allowed home where they will be further assessed and monitored by their GP in association with the HPA.

As a precautionary measure, other passengers and aircrew on the flight were given information on influenza and advised to telephone their GPs or NHS Direct if they should begin to display flu-like symptoms after returning home. Returning passengers to Manchester who are concerned should speak to their GP.

ENDS

All Thomson Customers,

As you may be aware, from the media coverage, there have been high number of cases reported in Mexico of "Swine Influenza" resulting in 103 confirmed fatalities, in light of this information, assessed by the global medical experts, the decision was taken by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to increase the Pandemic Threat Alert to level 4 with regard to the recent outbreak. Consequently the FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) reviewed their travel advice to Mexico during the night. The advice now advises against all but essential travel to Mexico.

The decisions taken by the respective authorities of both WHO and FCO are beyond our control, and as a consequence it is with great regret that Thomson have to cancel your holiday to Cancun this morning. Whilst we do appreciate that this news may be a great disappointment to you, we hope you will also understand that your personal safety and well-being are our foremost priority.

Due to this change to your travel itinerary, Thomson will offer you the following options:-

• to amend your holiday to a different destination / date ( availability permitting) at nil amendment charge.
• to cancel your holiday and receive a full refund at nil cancellation charge.
• To discuss these options further, please call the dedicated Thomson helpline on 0871 231 5704

which will be available from 0800 until 2200.

Once again, please accept our sincere apologies for having to cancel your holiday this morning and we hope you will travel with us very soon.


Yours faithfully,

Tim Williamson

Customer Director
Thomson

This process is similar to many of the trolley schemes at supermarkets. Change machines will be provided at all convenient locations around the airport site allowing passengers to use the enhanced trolleys with ease.

Mike Fazackerley, Customer Services Director for Manchester Airport, said: "We did a lot of research into the needs of our passengers looking into the options delivered at other airports. We want to provide passengers with world-class facilities but we also want to keep our operation moving as efficiently as possible. Using this refundable coin-lock system allows passengers to take advantage of improved trolleys. This is a worldwide trend and increasingly, leading airports are introducing similar schemes."

The airport rejected the idea of asking passengers to pay for trolleys as other airports have, after working with the Manchester Airport Consultative Committee.

Customer Services staff have been finding many trolleys left around the airport and this move will ensure that the trolleys are returned to central locations, ready for use by the next passenger. The coinlocks will be introduced by the 1st May at Manchester Airport.

The minibus service will commence on April 11th and will operate daily, every 20-minutes from 7:30am until 6:00pm, plugging the current gap between the public transport hub at the airport (The Station) and the Aviation Viewing Park 2 miles away.

The service will also incorporate a staff and visitor transfer shuttle to the busy cargo centre and business park located at the West of the airport, which includes businesses such as Thomas Cook. This will alleviate parking problems (and costs), traffic congestion and further encourage the use of public transport generally.

Ticketing will be simple at just £1:00 per journey for staff shuttles and £1:50 (£1:00 concessions) per journey for Aviation Viewing Park shuttles. In all cases payment to the driver is accepted. Individual season tickets and corporate tickets will be available soon offering even greater value.

Peter Rosenfeld (BusyBus Managing Director) says: "We are all delighted with being chosen to provide this valuable and much needed service in partnership with Manchester Airport. It is heart-warming in these so-called times of doom & gloom to sign a long-term contract that delivers such fantastic benefits to both staff and visitors. Everyone involved has worked extremely hard and from here on it can only go one way - supersonic!"

The airport already has a successful network of bus services serving its core staff catchment area, with around 10% of staff now using a bus to travel to work and this new service will add to those services.

Bob Longworth (Ground Transport Manager for Manchester Airport), welcomed the new service saying: "The Aviation Viewing Park and the new Concorde Visitor Centre are popular attractions for the airport with people coming from far and wide to see the magnificent Concorde and watch the aircraft that take off from our two runways. What's been missing has been a service that enables visitors to access public transport options to the park and as we're really proud of the new centre, with it only being opened in February of this year, I want to ensure that as many people as possible have access to see the history of aviation at Manchester Airport."

The Airport has been encouraging an innovative new network of 'demand responsive' services, such as the BusyBus service, which is tailored to the needs of smaller markets, such as those in Cheshire where the Viewing Park sits. The Airport also maintains an ambition to provide more feeder services to existing rail and coach networks ensuring that passengers and staff who travel to the airport have viable public transport options in the future.

By adding this service, the aim is to ensure that the Aviation Viewing Park is more accessible to a wider range of aviation enthusiasts. The Park's star attraction is G-BOAC, otherwise known as "Alpha Charlie". Once the flagship of the British Airways Concorde fleet, it's the only Concorde on display anywhere in the World with a fully accessible flight deck. Other aircraft on show include the forward section of a DC-10, a Trident and an AVRO RJX.

More information on booking a tour of Concorde

-ends-

These Easter holidaymakers will join the 200,000 people who have already travelled through Manchester Airport since the schools broke up last weekend.

Passenger numbers are slightly down compared to Easter 2008 when around 210,000 travelled over the bank holiday weekend although last minute bookings have boosted this year's figures.

Tenerife and the Canary Islands in Spain remain favourite destinations despite the weak pound, although non-Euro zone sun spots like Morocco and Egypt have gained popularity as passengers try to make their money go further. All inclusive package holidays are also proving popular with families who are particularly keen to fix the total cost of their holiday.

Weekend city breaks have also seen increased bookings over the Easter period with destinations including Toulouse, Amsterdam and Dublin proving popular with passengers looking for a low cost escape.

Manchester Airport's Managing Director Andrew Cornish explained: "Easter is always a popular time for people to get away and this year is no exception with people seemingly looking to escape the economic doom and gloom albeit whilst seeking to get great value trips.

"This will be the first bank holiday that the £15m we've invested in redeveloping and extending security search areas will be put to the test as hundreds of thousands of people look to get away this Easter. We're confident that passengers will really experience the benefits.

The top five destinations for Easter 2009 are:

Tenerife
Alicante
Egypt
Chicago
Morocco.

The North West Rail Campaign and the Liberal Democrats have agreed to work on a manifesto looking at future solutions to the rail capacity issue in the North West of England.

At a meeting hosted by John Leech MP for Withington, Campaign Director Roger Jones met with Norman Baker, the Shadow Secretary for Transport, along with Mark Hunter MP for Cheadle, Paul Rowen MP for Rochdale, Andrew Stunell MP for Hazel Grove and John Pugh MP for Southport, to discuss common solutions to rail issues in the North West.

Commenting on the agreement, Roger Jones said: "The issue of investment in rail in the north west is one that is shared across the parties, hence our decision to meet with the Liberal Democrats to identify areas where we can proceed together. If we can deliver workable, affordable solutions then we can bring forward the type of rail network capable of servicing and supporting the growing needs of England's Northwest."

The Campaign will shortly be meeting Conservative and Labour MPs to examine the same issues.

Established in 2003, the Campaign aims to secure extra rail capacity in specific areas of the North West to unlock bottlenecks across the network and improve services to the major urban areas by influencing Government, the European Union and the railway industry to endorse direct investment into the region's rail network.

The North West Rail Campaign is supported by several local authorities in the region, as well as Manchester Airport, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, the North West Business Leadership Team, North West Regional Development Agency, the region's two Passenger Transport Executives and the Regional Leader's Forum; 4NW, Lancashire County Council, Warrington Borough Council, Halton Borough Council and Allerdale Borough Council amongst others.

More information on the campaign can be found at www.nwrailcampaign.org

ENDS

Carbon offsetting is a mechanism for compensating for carbon emissions that are currently unavoidable by paying for equivalent emissions savings or reductions to be made elsewhere. Many of the airlines using Manchester already offer this option to passengers. The new scheme will complement this and enable passengers to offset their flights via a link on the website.

The Airport Group has committed to tackling the emissions generated by its operation and already has a carbon neutral target for the energy used in its buildings, airfield and car parks and the fuel used in its vehicles.

This new initiative delivers the commitment set out in the Airport's Masterplan to 2030 to encourage passengers to use an offset scheme for their flights and is linked to the core target for the Airport to be carbon neutral by 2015.

Penny Coates, the executive board member with responsibility for the environment at the Manchester Airports Group, said: "We're taking a proactive role within the airline industry to make CO2 emission reductions already, but as a Group we want to support the work of our airline partners and help encourage passengers to use a carbon off-set scheme and so we now offer the facility though all of our websites right across our Group."

A study undertaken by the Omega partnership, which is based at Manchester Metropolitan University, and is developing knowledge to support long term sustainability solutions for the aviation industry in the UK surveyed passengers at Manchester Airport and showed that, whilst many had heard of carbon offsetting, less than a tenth had then gone onto investigate the options.

The study found that given that offset schemes are currently voluntary, if a greater uptake is to be achieved then much more needs to be done to raise awareness of the existence and benefits of such schemes. To assist with this ambition, the airport will be monitoring usage of the links and reporting take up on an annual basis.

As well as offering passengers the opportunity to offset, the airport already offsets its own business travel as well. Business travel is an essential part of aviation and today's modern global economy but the airport minimises its own business travel and annually offsets the CO2 emissions that this travel produces.

While many of the airlines who fly out of Manchester, such as Cathay Pacific and Virgin, already offer the facility to offset; the airport is also linking up with Carbon Clear, a carbon management company that helps businesses and individuals to reduce their carbon impact.

Mark Chadwick, CEO of Carbon Clear, said: "I am delighted that the Manchester Airports Group is taking a proactive lead in managing and reducing its carbon impact. As well as reducing its own operational emissions, it is taking an industry leading role in helping inform its passenger community to do the same using high quality carbon credits that make a very real contribution to climate change and the communities they serve."

Just one of the projects supported by Carbon Clear has been the use of biomass that has displaced the need for coal in a jute manufacturing mill in India. By using residues from the plant as a replacement for coal, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions have subsequently been reduced.

Britain's carbon offset industry is currently estimated to be worth £50 million while the expected push towards a worldwide low carbon economy has left experts predicting that the carbon offsetting industry could eventually be worth £18 billion in the global marketplace.

The ability to offset the carbon cost of your flight is now available at:
http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/carbonoffset

23rd March 2009

Manchester Airport will later today present its annual awards to the airlines, which have consistently observed the preferred flight paths during take-off, helping to reduce noise for residents living close to the airport.

Aer Lingus will be presented with the top award for Best Overall Performance and Air China will receive Best Performance by a New Operator at the annual ceremony, taking place in the new Concorde visitors centre at the airport's Aviation Viewing Park.

This year's ceremony will also see the introduction of a new Special Award that recognises airlines and industry partners who have demonstrated environmental initiatives. The Special Award winners, plus the winners of each of the eight categories, will all receive a glass award presented by Manchester Airport's Operations Director, Tim McDermott.

Tim said of the awards "My congratulations goes to all the Airlines and their pilots who have improved to meet this important environmental standard, in 2001, just five of the airlines operating at Manchester met the 95% target. That number today is now 68 of our airlines. This shows that these annual awards bring real benefits to our neighbouring community"

Thomas Cook Airlines picked up one of the Special Awards for its involvement in implementing Continuous Descent Approach (CDA) and Frank Pullman Managing Director at Thomas Cook Airlines, said: "We are delighted to win this award as we have been working hard to promote CDAs to our flight crew since their introduction at Manchester. CDAs enable pilots to complete their approach to land in a much more efficient way that benefits the local community as less noise is produced and less fuel is used, which in turn reduces environmental pollution.

"CDAs, along with accurate track-keeping on departure, form an integral part of Thomas Cook's responsible approach at Manchester Airport to minimise the impact of its flights on the local environment"

The awards were introduced eight years ago to recognise and reward airlines that fly at least 95% of their departures within tightly defined 'tracks' known as preferred noise routes. Manchester remains the only airport to present these types of awards and is seen as innovative in its approach to the environment for doing so.
Alan Melrose MBE who is the leader of EUROCONTROL's pan-European Airport Collaborative Environmental Management initiate Said of the event 'The partnership between Manchester Airport Group, the Airlines and National Air Traffic Services to improve aircraft environmental performance is now a European model. Manchester Airport's long-standing relationship with the local community in developing its environmental mitigation efforts is also widely emulated now"
" I like to think of this inclusive and holistic approach as the "Manchester Way"

Over 30 airline representatives from as far away as China and North America will be in attendance, joined by a number of service partners and environmental health officers from the local councils.
The winners for 2008 are:

Special Award - BMI Baby, Thomas Cook Airlines, British Airways, NATS and EuroControl (In recognition for their achievement of control decent approach (CDA) at Manchester.)
Best Overall Performance - Aer Lingus
Best Performance New Operator - Air China
Best Transatlantic - Air Transat
Best Long Haul - Etihad Airways
Best Charter - Thomson Airways
Best UK & Eire - Aer Lingus
Best Europe - Lufthansa CityLine
Best Cargo - Great Wall Airlines

ENDS

11th March 09

Today, Manchester Airport unveiled its most environmentally friendly building to house an aviation icon, Concorde.

The 2574 sq m Concorde Visitor Centre, which will display the former British Airways flagship Concorde G-BOAC, will be opened today by British Airways Chief Executive, Willie Walsh and Manchester Airport Group's Chief Executive, Geoff Muirhead CBE, at an exclusive event in the Aviation Viewing Park.

Commenting on the opening, Willie Walsh, British Airways Chief Executive, said: "Manchester Airport was one of 60 high profile locations worldwide that originally bid to give a home to a retiring Concorde. It gives me great pleasure to see the culmination of that bid today in this magnificent new exhibition area and visitor centre."

Construction of the Concorde Visitor Centre began in December 2008 to protect the historic and much-loved aircraft from the elements and has taken the effort of a variety of partners to bring it on line in a short space of time. Many of the people at today's event will represent companies and organisations involved in the construction of the centre along with former Concorde pilots, crew and engineers.

Tim Orchard, one of the guests, jointly holds the Concorde World Record time for piloting the aircraft from New York to London in 2 hours, 52 minutes on 7 February 1996.

Tim will be joining many former colleagues to share memories of the aircraft in flight with those involved in providing Concorde G-BOAC with a modern new home at Manchester Airport.

"The Concorde Visitor Centre is the first new building on the airport site to comply with strict construction standards as part of Manchester Airport's commitment to having carbon neutral operations by 2015," said Geoff Muirhead CBE. "The new building is not only home to a unique piece of aviation history but it is also an important visual statement of our future low carbon ambitions".

Since the launch of Manchester Airport's environment plan in 2006, all designers are tasked to ensure that new buildings are carbon efficient, which is why the Concorde Visitor Centre includes emerging technologies such as biomass heating fuelled by willow grown on the airport site. The hangar also utilises rainwater harvesting and solar panels to capture the sun's energy and heat the water system.

The new visitor centre also includes a corporate hospitality suite, an education centre for local schools and a glass-walled visitor restaurant alongside Concorde, with views of Manchester Airport's runways.

In future, Concorde guides will be able to escort visitors on a variety of tours of this iconic aircraft now inside its new home. For school parties, they are able to provide information and literature that links directly to the National Curriculum, making the facility a unique way of ensuring that the magic of the Concorde fleet is passed on to new generations of international travellers.

Concorde G-BOAC went on display in the open air in April 2004 after arriving at Manchester on October 31, 2003. Her final flight - from Heathrow -followed nearly three decades of service transporting passengers around the world. The aircraft had even earned its place in the record books when it flew at 1,488 mph, the highest recorded ground speed for a commercial airliner.

ENDS

For more information, contact the Manchester Airport press office on 0161 489 2700 or press.office@manairport.co.uk. Images are available on request.

Wildlife experts have teamed up to help build Cheshire's otters a safer home at Manchester Airport this week, as part of the Cheshire region Otter Biodiversity Action Plan.

Although otter numbers are starting to increase in the region since their decline in the 1970s, they still rely on the helping hands of conservationists to make up for the lack of natural breeding sites.

Road casualties and pesticides are amongst a long list of factors, which have contributed to the otters' demise over the years, and although Cheshire has a wealth of waterways, the otter population is still lower than would be expected. The species is currently listed in the International Union for the Conservation of Natures' (IUCN) Red Book as 'vulnerable to extinction'.

Now, thanks to a partnership containing Manchester Airport, Cheshire Wildlife Trust, the Riparian Mammal BAP Group, Cheshire Region Biodiversity Partnership and the Forestry Commission who have worked on the artificial holt, the future seems brighter for the vulnerable species.

The team spent a day building the artificial otter holt on the edge of the airport to support the species as it passes through the area, both as a resting place and as a possible breeding area. The holt has been sited at a secret location away from human disturbance and will be monitored on a regular basis.

The otter holt was constructed using timber supplied by the Forestry Commission, who also helped to build it.

The underground chamber holt will be hardly visible from the ground, but will be monitored for activity under the artificial holt monitoring regime.

Charlotte Harris, Director of Conservation, for Cheshire Wildlife Trust, says:

"The Cheshire Wildlife Trust fully support this project - it helps to deliver our vision of a Living Landscape for Cheshire. Otters are a vulnerable species and this project creates extra habitat where otters can thrive and then hopefully disperse.

"In time, and with the right support, otters may once again become a more common sight in our rivers.

The initial idea for the otter holt came from the Manchester Airport, who as part of their commitment to support biodiversity around the airport, wanted to provide a resting opportunity for otters in the area. The airport identified the site along help from the Environment Agency, and supplied the contractor and materials. Members of the Riparian Mammal BAP collected the materials and carried out the construction.

The European otter is part of the same family as badgers, weasels, stoats, pine marten and mink.

They are about the size of a small dog, with a mainly brown coat and a lighter brown bib. They have a high pitched squeak when calling to other otters and a loud angry chatter when threatening.

An otter's diet mainly consists of fish but can also include birds, insects, frogs, crustaceans and sometimes other small mammals.

To find out more about the Cheshire Region Otter Biodiversity Action Plan visit www.cheshire-biodiversity.org.uk

The Carbon Trust was set-up in 2001 by the government as an independent company to accelerate the move to a low carbon economy by working with organisations to reduce their emissions. The Carbon Trust Standard certifies that an organisation has genuinely reduced its carbon footprint and is committed to making further reductions year on year.

An independent third-party made the assessment based on evidence provided by the airport - and to-date, just 66 organisations have met the stringent assessment criteria, emphasising the magnitude of this award.

Andrew Cornish, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said: "The Standard is a way of demonstrating to stakeholders that you are doing what you claim and that real reductions in carbon dioxide are being made.

"The money saved from energy efficiency measures feeds back into the business and reduces our operating costs, which is very important in a highly competitive industry like ours, where we are under increasing pressure to lower charges to our customers."

He added: "As we currently face a tough economic period, this is particularly important because it enables the airport to meet its environmental commitments, whilst continuing to be a driver of investment for the North West region."

Manchester Airport and the three other airports that make up the Manchester Airports Group (East Midlands, Bournemouth and Humberside) all have a carbon neutral commitment. The Airport Group has made dealing with the issue of carbon integral to its business strategy and will be the first airport group in the UK to reach this target by 2015.

Harry Morrison, General Manager of the Carbon Trust Standard, commented: "Being certified with the Carbon Trust Standard is proof an organisation has taken genuine action to reduce their direct impact on climate change by cutting carbon emissions. We congratulate Manchester Airport on this achievement.

"Both businesses and consumers share a desire for one, credible way to prove an organisation has not only measured, but actually reduced their carbon emissions year-on-year without the use of offsetting. The Carbon Trust Standard provides this credibility and we encourage more organisations to follow Manchester Airport in making this commitment."

ENDS

12 February 2009

Building work begins this week on the site of a brand new £19m leading educational academy in Wythenshawe.

Manchester Enterprise Academy (MEA), which is due to open in Woodhouse Park this September, will be a totally new way of educating young people to meet the learning needs of the city's (/ region's businesses and help them in securing employment).

The academy, which is one of seven across the city and one of the first to open, will provide 750 places for 11-16 year olds and post 16 provision for 120 students from 2010.

It will open in September 2009 and be based in the existing Parklands High School buildings for its first year, before moving into brand new purpose built facilities on the same site in September 2010.

Initial work on the site on Simonsway will include the demolition of a single storey block that was a former music and art room and the erection of hoardings.

The Academy is sponsored by Manchester Airport with co-sponsorship from Willow Park Housing Trust, Manchester City Council and The Manchester College.

Marie Quayle, Principal Designate of the MEA says: "I am thrilled to be the Principal Designate of such a truly innovative and groundbreaking academy. Students that choose to come here will receive the very best opportunities in a supportive and caring environment and will be encouraged to develop the skills, confidence and attitude they will need for the world of work and life in general."

Andrew Cornish, Manchester Airport's Managing Director, says: "With the help of staff at every level of our business, we are actively involved in the project; managing the design of the new school building, recruiting staff and offering opportunities within our business to help the development of the Academy and its curriculum. Parklands High School is our local secondary school and lies just one mile from the Airport so we're aiming to ensure we both benefit from the link-up, allowing the school to work with a progressive company, but also communicating with our future customers (colleagues) and residents."

The Academy will differ from existing schools in that sponsors will work alongside teachers to design learning and assessment materials. All students will have personal mentors as well as round the clock access to materials and support to encourage 'anytime, anywhere learning.'
The site will be open from 7am to 10pm and will become the hub of the community giving parents, families and the whole community the opportunity to benefit from the facilities.

Councillor Sheila Newman, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for Children's Services, says: "Manchester's academies programme is one of the largest investments in secondary education the city has ever seen. The MEA will be a new and exciting place to learn and will help ensure that our children and young people gain the skills and qualifications demanded by employers."

Manchester International Festival today announces sponsorship for the '09 event of £3.1 million, representing a third of the entire operating costs of the Festival. This figure is a combination of 85% cash sponsorship and 15% value in kind.

The Festival has to date secured £3.1 million from new and returning sponsors including the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), City Inn, Bruntwood, Manchester Airport, PZ Cussons and NCP. This is in addition to significant public sector funding from Manchester City Council and Arts Council England.

"In an increasingly difficult climate for business we are delighted to have reached this landmark in our fundraising. This represents an endorsement from some very smart business people and we greatly appreciate it. The Festival couldn't happen without their support," said Festival Director Alex Poots.

The inaugural Manchester International Festival in 2007 benefited from £3.6 million in sponsorship; the most private sector funding ever raised for a UK festival. The target sponsorship figure for MIF 09 is again £3.6million and discussions continue with additional sponsors.

Councillor Mike Amesbury, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure at Manchester City Council said: "To secure six top tier sponsors is an impressive performance given the current economic climate. Many of these companies invested in the first festival and this on-going support clearly demonstrates the benefits of association with this event, not only for their organisation but for the City as a whole."

The first Festival in 2007 attracted over 200,000 visitors to the city with an estimated economic impact of £28.8 million and further enhanced Manchester's international reputation as a leading cultural city.

Andrew Cornish, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said: "The International Festival will ensure the spotlight is on the city of Manchester during July, as we see a range of new projects brought to life. Manchester Airport maintains a long-standing commitment to supporting arts in this region. The airport allows people from around the world to sample this amazing festival as well as see everything the city has to offer. Manchester has built a reputation with its contributions to the world of culture and this festival will continue to extend that legacy, we are proud to be associated with it."

The current list of sponsors of the 2009 Manchester International Festival:

• Official Sponsors: Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), City Inn,
• Bruntwood, Manchester Airport, PZ Cussons, NCP
• Public Funders: Manchester City Council, Arts Council England
• Official Supporters: Cobbetts, Speedy Hire
• Official Supplier: Stephenson Bell
• Media Partners: MEN, The Guardian, BBC

The second Manchester International Festival takes place from 2-19 July 2009 with a programme of original work and special events including a commission that will see Zaha Hadid Architects create a bespoke environment for the solo works of JS Bach; Everybody Loves a Winner, Neil Bartlett's new play which will bring bingo to the Royal Exchange theatre and Prima Donna, Rufus Wainwright's debut opera. The full programme will be announced in March 09.

For more details on MIF, please visit: www.mif.co.uk

Jet2.com has today (15 January 2009) launched the first truly low-fare service to Tel Aviv from Manchester Airport - it will be the only airline to offer a direct route from the North of the UK, following the demise of other services.

The weekly service, which will begin from Thursday 21 May 2009, is set to provide an important gateway for the north's Jewish community to one of Israel's largest cities. The airline is so confident that the service will be such a popular addition to its Manchester schedule that from October the route is set to increase to twice weekly, departing Sunday's and Thursdays.

Tel Aviv is a thriving and cosmopolitan beach city that makes an exciting holiday destination. With buzzing nightlife, cafe culture, shopping, beautiful beach and a historic old town, the city offers a sophisticated break suitable for all.

With flights now on sale from just £70.99 one way including taxes, Jet2.com is offering the lowest ever fares and an unbeatable direct service to the popular Israeli city.

Philip Meeson, boss of Jet2.com, commented: "Tel Aviv is an extremely popular destination and we are confident there will be a huge demand for this service. As the only direct route from the North, we are in an unrivalled position to offer both the lowest ever fares and fastest service into Israel.

"This route launch is extremely significant for Jet2.com and emphasises our drive to continue to innovate and expand our reach into a variety of countries and markets."

Adrian Cohen, Managing Director of Israel Travel Service, commented: "I am extremely excited and pleased to hear that Jet2.com is launching this service to Tel Aviv and support it 100%.

"This welcome investment into tourism to Israel will undoubtedly be of benefit to the consumer and will strengthen the links between Manchester and Tel Aviv."

For more information on free online check-in, buying Jet2.com gift vouchers, pre-booking meals or joining myJet2, visit www.jet2.com.
ENDS

Penny is the first Regional Airports Executive to be appointed to the Group Board since MAG was formed in 2001.

In addition to her responsibilities for East Midlands, Bournemouth and Humberside Airports, Penny will also bring an additional focus to the Group's customer experience and sustainability agenda at Board level.

Geoff Muirhead CBE, Group Chief Executive, commented: "Penny has made a tremendous contribution to the development of MAG, driving forward the performance of the Group in many areas. Penny's appointment brings a greater balance of executive representation to the Board in line with best practice corporate governance and I look forward to her expanded contribution as a member of the Group Board."

Penny Coates said: "I am delighted to accept this exciting and challenging opportunity and look forward to contributing to the delivery of our commercial and sustainable development objectives."

Wednesday 14 January 2009

ENDS

The recently completed third platform at Manchester Airport's railway station has been officially opened by the Rt Hon Geoff Hoon MP, Secretary of State for Transport.
Before he unveiled a plaque (on 8 January) to mark the opening, Mr Hoon was shown a time-lapse DVD of the bridge slide, one of the major elements in the project.

The new £15m third platform at the airport station is crucial to the success of the new west coast timetable as it relieves congestion on the approaches to Piccadilly. It was completed nearly two weeks ahead of schedule.
Peter Strachan, Network Rail's route director said: "Mr Hoon came to look at the work while it was still in progress so it is a pleasure to welcome him again to see and officially open the finished platform.

"With over two million passengers a year using the station, and with all the extra services using the west coast route, this platform was absolutely essential. It is a testament to real partnership working that everyone pulled together in the way that they did to achieve an early completion."
Neville Chamberlain, Chairman of The Northern Way said: "Manchester Airport is the North's premier airport and we are delighted that the third platform at the Airport's station is now in operation. Previous analysis indicates that this increase in the capacity of the Airport's station will result in employment and productivity benefits worth around £20 million. Improved international connectivity is essential to a successful northern economy and better, reliable rail access to Manchester Airport is a key component of that."

Andrew Cornish, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said: "Although it is an individual's choice as to how to reach the Airport, we have a lot of influence over that choice. During the last 15 years, and alongside our partners, we have continued to invest over £100 million in the public transport facilities that service our airport. The siting of the station in the middle of the airport has enabled us to put rail at the core of our public transport network making us one of the few airports outside the South East with direct services to an on site station. The airport is in a favourable position compared to those regional airports that still rely solely on road access and the opening of the new platform continues to strengthen the modes offered."
Councillor Keith Whitmore, Vice Chair of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, said: "This project has been an unqualified success and shows just what can be achieved by working in partnership. It was delivered early and under budget and serves as another example of our ability to deliver landmark facilities."

Work started just over a year ago and the final critical element was the running of a test train on the new line. This was successfully carried out without a hitch, which meant the last little pieces of the jigsaw, such as re-numbering the existing platforms and changing the wording on the station information screens, could be fitted into place to bring the platform into use nearly two weeks early.

See US Embassy website for more information

Thursday 4 December 2008

Established in 2003, the Campaign aims to secure extra rail capacity in specific areas of the North West to unlock bottlenecks across the network and improve services to the major urban areas by influencing Government, the European Union and the railway industry to endorse direct investment into the region's rail network.

The campaign has enjoyed notable successes in recent times including the funding bid to build a third rail platform at Manchester Airport and influencing Network Rail to analyse capacity needs in the Manchester area.

Roger will replace Brian Simpson MEP, who stood down as Campaign Director to focus entirely on his role in the European Parliament, and be based at Manchester Airport.

The major concern for the North West's rail network centres on congestion in the southern "Mersey Belt", in particular the area in and around Manchester Piccadilly station. This has become known as the "Manchester Hub" and stretches from Slade Lane and Ardwick Junctions through to Piccadilly platforms 13 and 14 to Trafford Park West Junction, and through Deansgate to Salford Cresecent.

This "two-track" railway crossing the city is at full capacity, which leads to delays and severe over-crowding especially at peak times. These areas of congestion have knock on effects for the whole network so while this campaign aims to specifically fix problems within the North West, the benefits will be felt across the wider network.

Welcoming the appointment, Geoff Muirhead CBE, Group Chief Executive for the Manchester Airports Group and the Chair of the Campaign's Steering Group, said: "52 million passengers use rail in the North West, with the vast majority being concentrated within the Mersey Belt that includes rail journeys between Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Bolton, Preston, Manchester Airport and Crewe. By highlighting these issues and ensuring a co-ordinated approach between the public and private sectors we can continue to make improvements to the transport network in the North West and provide the type of rail system capable of servicing the requirements of this region. I welcome Roger's appointment as Director of the Campaign, to follow on from the excellent work undertaken by Brian Simpson MEP."

Transport plays a key factor in regeneration with efficient rail services enhancing the attractiveness of a location, particularly in regard to business competitiveness. According to previous research by the campaign, alleviating the problems of the Manchester Hub through increased investment in infrastructure could support up to 20,000 extra jobs in the North West.

The campaign is supported by several local authorities in the region, as well as Manchester Airport, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, the North West Business Leadership Team, North West Regional Development Agency, the region's two Passenger Transport Executives and the Regional Leader's Forum; 4NW.

Roger was formerly a Salford councillor, becoming a member of the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority in 1998 and was elected as its Chair in 2001. During his time at the PTA, he campaigned for major improvements to local bus services, culminating in the publication of the government's draft Local Transport Bill. He also led the campaign for major expansion of Greater Manchester's Metrolink network and was recognised for an 'Outstanding Contribution to Local Transport' at the National Transport Awards in 2007. He lost his Irlam seat in the May local elections before taking up his new position as the rail campaign chair.

ENDS

18th November 2008

The Airport, which handles more than 22 million passengers a year, received the award at the annual ceremony held last night (6th November) in London.

The glittering event is the largest awards programme in the UK created to recognise and reward the best companies in the travel industry.

The winners were voted for by both consumers and travel professionals and the awards span numerous categories ranging from airports, airlines, travel retailers and tour operators.

Every entrant was judged on a variety of criteria including facilities and levels of service, and insight is gained via consumer votes and industry opinions to reach the decision on the finalists at the event.

Manchester Airport also won silver awards as Best UK Airport - Business Travel and Best UK Airport - Leisure Travel.

Andrew Cornish, Manchester Airport's Managing Director, 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 industry.

"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.

"This treble achievement really recognises the hard work and effort that everyone across the airport has put in over the past year and demonstrates that MAG is raising the bar in the industry for the high standards in its airports."

Fast-expanding airline Jet2.com has announced that it will base another 229-seat Boeing 757 at Manchester to meet growing demand as well as helping ease capacity issues following the demise of XL - it will create 25 new jobs as a result.

The company today confirmed that its ninth 757 would be stationed at Manchester and would be used to increase capacity on its newly launched Dalaman and Sharm el Sheikh routes, which have seen strong sales, as well as filling the void left by XL Airways, notably on its Tenerife and Heraklion services.

Last week the airline announced it was increasing its hold baggage allowance by 30 per cent, from 17kg to 22kg, offering its passengers the most generous allowance in the leisure airline sector.

Unlike many in the travel business, Jet2.com is bucking the current downturn and last month its parent company, Dart Group plc, announced record half-year profits of £30 million and record load factors of more than 90 per cent.

Meanwhile, the airline recently launched 22 new routes for summer 2009 across its six UK bases and has just been voted the UK's best short-haul airline by readers of the Guardian and Observer, an accolade it has won for the last three years.

Philip Meeson, Jet2.com boss said: "At a time when many competitors are cutting back services and reducing capacity, we are increasing ours, not just taking advantage of gaps left by others, but expanding the capacity on our own popular routes.

"For example, since we launched Dalaman in Turkey, sales have been so strong that we are doubling the frequency for this route and excellent sales and customer demand on our Sharm el Sheikh service has prompted us to make this route all year round.

"We also recently announced a 30 per cent increase in baggage allowance - when you add up all these factors: excellent new destinations, improved passenger allowances and of course low, low fares, you can see why we're enjoying the biggest growth period in our history."

Jet2.com now has six aircraft stationed at Manchester: two Boeing 148-seat 737s and four 229-seat 757s.

For more information on increased capacity, improved flight timings and enhanced routes, visit jet2.com

ENDS

5 November 08

This decision by bmi is, of course, regrettable, however given the current economic climate and the decrease in global air traffic it is not unexpected. This is balanced with the arrival of a new airline, Air Sylhet, at Manchester Airport, operating services to Dubai and an additional four new destinations in India through Brussels Airlines.

Manchester Airport's iconic chandeliers are to be restored to their former glory and go on display at The World of Glass museum in St Helens and The Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester.

The famous glass chandeliers, which were designed by Royal architect Stefan Buzas and created at the renowned Venini factory in Murano, Italy, were commissioned by Manchester Airport and first hung in the departure hall at Terminal 1.

The four 17 feet long chandeliers, which each weigh two tonnes, were taken down in 2003 to make way for a major redevelopment of Terminal 1 at Manchester Airport and have been kept in storage while the airport searched for a new home.

Now with the help of £50K of Lottery Heritage Funding and grants from the Pilgrim Trust, The Mersey Partnership and the Rainford Trust, one lead glass chandelier has been restored to its original design and is about to be installed at The World of Glass museum and visitor centre.

Manchester Airport's Jackie Neville who has spearheaded the project, said: "The chandeliers are a much loved part of Manchester Airport's heritage but they are enormous and very delicate structures that we can no longer fit into our redesigned terminals.

"We've been working hard for a number of years to find the perfect place for the chandeliers to be enjoyed by generations of the future and we're delighted that work is now about to start on installing a chandelier at The World of Glass.

"The plan for the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester is to renovate a second chandelier as part of their Air and Space Hall redevelopment in 2010. It's great that they are going to be back on show and we're all looking forward to seeing them shone once again."

Ron Helsby, Executive Director of The World of Glass, said: "This is a great acquisition for The World of Glass and it is great to work with our partners in restoring this iconic piece of crystal which will go on display to everyone in our foyer."

The chandeliers have been restored by specialist David Malik and Sons in London and installation began this week (w/e Friday 31 October).

Top Airports
The top airports, according to British respondents are Manchester, Singapore Changi International, and Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport. Twenty-three percent said that Heathrow was their least favourite airport followed by London's Gatwick. Seventy-seven percent said that fast/efficient security, followed by great bathrooms is what makes an airport great. See full article

17 October 2008

Biza, in the heart of Terminal 1 departures, is a new generation of Tax and Duty Free store, with the very biggest names at Tax Free prices. Ideal for last minute gifts - from fragrances and make-up to wines and spirits - you'll soon see why Biza is the business.

Attitude opening this winter in terminal 1 is a stylish and fashionable new store to Manchester Airport, with an exciting range of designer fashion and accessories from brands such as Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger and Burberry. If you want to get attitude, get to Attitude!

Temptation, opening this winter also in terminal 1 has a fabulous range of designer sunglasses, jewellery and watches from leading brands including Gucci, Prada, DKNY, Diesel, D&G and more.

In terminal 1 you now check in and go through security - which leaves you plenty of time to shop til you drop!

New routes for Manchester Airport to Toulouse and Amsterdam

Airline continues to grow despite current economic conditions

More routes to be announced soon

bmibaby has today launched stage one of its summer 2009 flight programme with exciting new routes from Manchester Airport to Toulouse and Amsterdam. The two new services commence on 29th March 2009 and both routes are currently not served by any other low cost airline from the airport. bmibaby will operate a double daily service to Amsterdam between Monday and Friday plus an additional service on Sunday. Flights to Toulouse will operate on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Six other European routes will also go on sale today from Manchester to Malaga, Alicante, Bordeaux, Perpignan and Palma. Stage two of summer 2009 will be on sale in the next few weeks. The two new routes bring the total number of destinations served by bmibaby from Manchester to 16.

To celebrate the launch of summer 2009 flights, the bmibaby ice cream van will be travelling around the UK and will be visiting Manchester Airport on Thursday (11th September 2008). The airline's cabin crew will be giving out free ice cream to all passengers outside terminal three, come rain or shine!

Crawford Rix, managing director, bmibaby, said:

"Despite the challenging market conditions, bmibaby continues to go from strength to strength and we're proud to introduce even more new routes from Manchester Airport today to Toulouse and Amsterdam. As we are the only low fares airline operating from Manchester to these two destinations, we advise people to save money and book with bmibaby now! Both services commence on 29th March 2009.

"Toulouse has a fantastic architectural heritage, a great all year round climate, and is the gateway to fantastic towns and cities in the South West region of France. Amsterdam is a must see European hotspot and offers travellers everything from to Van Gogh, to flower markets to trendy bars and cafes.

"We decided to launch our summer 2009 flying schedule earlier this year, to not only give people something to look forward too, but also to meet consumer demand. Customers have been contacting us asking when they can book next year's flights, this shows that the appetite for travel is still very much alive and kicking in Manchester!

"I strongly believe that the combination of bmibaby's low fares and great service is fuelling the demand for our flights and as result we will continue to offer new destinations from Manchester. We not only provide benefits such as allocated seating for everyone, thus saving the chaotic scramble for seats, but customers can also join bmi diamond club, the UK's most generous frequent flier programme.

"We will shortly be launching stage two of our summer 2009 flying programme so advise people to visit www.bmibaby.com and book early to secure a great deal. bmibaby is here to stay and we have long term growth plans for Manchester region."

Ends

bmi jas launched its first better for business sale to all destinations across its worldwide network There's never been a better time to travel on business from Manchester airport as the offer will include sale prices for both Business and Economy fares on flights across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Russia, Central Asia and Africa.

Passengers travelling from Manchester airport are able to take advantage of bmi's better for business sale with direct flights to a range of UK and European destinations and with quick connections to the airline's wider network available through London Heathrow Terminal 1, the UK base of the Star Alliance. The newly redesigned terminal offers passengers a quicker and smoother transit through London Heathrow Airport.

bmi's sale prices to destinations including Tel Aviv, Cairo, Moscow, Brussels and Dublin are available for travel until 31 March 2009 for passengers travelling in both Economy and Business. Book by visiting flybmi.com or calling 0870 6070 555.

Return prices featured in bmi's sale (inclusive of taxes) include:
- Moscow from just £249 (£1,059 in Business) return
- Chicago from just £307 (£1,804 in Business) return
- Cairo and Tel Aviv from just £359 (£859 in Business) return
- Las Vegas from just £507 (£2,858 in Business) return

29th August 2008

ENDS

Jet2.com is bringing the beautiful island of Sardinia within easy reach of Manchester, following an announcement today that it will begin direct services there for summer 2009.

With flights on sale today from just £49.99 one way including taxes, the leading low fare airline now flies to 16 destinations direct from the UK's third largest airport.

Flying into Olbia (translated as 'happy town') on the island's North East coast, the area is famous for having one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in the Mediterranean with white sands and crystal clear water. Olbia also boasts a good selection of bars, restaurants and shops.

With a warm climate, beautiful unspoilt landscape and many tourist attractions and activities, Sardinia is the ideal destination for a summer holiday or short sunshine break.

Speaking about the route launch, Philip Meeson, boss of Jet2.com, commented: "Sardinia has proved to be an extremely popular summer destination when we launched the route from our Leeds Bradford base this May which is why we decided to extend this service to Manchester.

"With its white beaches, charismatic towns, picturesque harbours and delicious cuisine, it is a destination that can truly offer something for everyone. I'm confident that it will be an extremely successful route, further increasing tourism to Sardinia and giving people within reach of Manchester Airport even more choice when it comes to their holiday destination."

Fares from Manchester to Sardinia start from £49.99 one way including taxes. Flights will depart Manchester to Sardinia once a week with the first flight departing on 2nd May 2009.

For more information, please visit www.jet2.com

Ends -

Talks between Swissport's Board of Directors, ACAS and the Union concluded in the early hours of this morning.

All planned industrial action has been cancelled and a pay offer is being considered.

ENDS

We have given evidence of our own experiences to the Competition Commission's inquiry into BAA and we believe that today's provisional findings are good news for passengers and airlines.

MAG is an experienced, UK-owned airport operator with a strong track record in investing in the passenger experience, delivering efficient operations, a partnership approach to our business relationships, managing our costs effectively and a World-leading environmental performance.

We have consistently stated that the Group is interested in acquiring assets that will add value for our shareholders and this could include one or more of the BAA airports.

We are currently examining the details of today's report before making any decision about future acquisitions.

ENDS

International football tourism generated over £4 million for the Manchester economy, new research has revealed today.

A study of fans travelling through the airport, undertaken at Manchester Airport by researchers for the Centre for Air Transport and the Environment at Manchester Metropolitan University during May, has highlighted the additional revenues for the regional economy generated by the UEFA Cup Final in Manchester on the 14th May and the exodus of Manchester United fans to Moscow for the Champions League Final on the 21st May.

For the UEFA Cup game, the research showed that fans flew to Manchester from as many as four continents and eleven countries including Holland, France, USA, Canada, Australia and Dubai. While the percentage of Rangers fans travelling by air was relatively small (approx 5%) partly due to the distance there was a mirror image in the travel habits of the Russian Zenit St Petersburg fans where 99% flew into the city, with extra flights needed to meet the demand.

Andrew Cornish, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said: "The economic success was outlined in the airport seeing an additional £1 million in revenue just as a direct result of the increased throughput from the UEFA and Champions League finals. As we enter a time of economic downturn, it's been a timely boost for Manchester but this study also demonstrates the extent to which international football relies upon aviation giving the public the chance to follow their teams across the World."

Over 52% of St Petersburg fans said they chose to fly due to the speed, whilst 9% choose to fly as they felt it was the only option. Over 58% of Manchester United fans felt flying was the only option on their journey to Moscow. 24% said that the speed was the reason they chose to fly.

Around 25,000 Manchester United fans flew out to Moscow to see their team take on Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League Final in May. It provided affordable transport for those on lower incomes and provided an easy, time saving alternative for those without the time to undertake cross-country trips by rail or road. Although it may have been possible to travel over land, individual circumstances left many with one option, to fly; and this was particularly the case for Manchester United and St Petersburg fans. At a time when the cost of flying is on the rise with increases in fuel price and additional taxes, this event underlined the importance that people place on their ability to fly.

This is not the first time that Manchester has felt the economic benefits of large sporting events of this nature. When Manchester United contested the UEFA Champions League Final on 28th May 2003 it contributed to the busiest day in Manchester Airport's history. Over the 28th and 29th May an additional 242 commercial flights operated via Manchester Airport, carrying an additional 43,438 extra passengers in and out of the airport.

On this occasion, the hospitality and retail industries were shown to be the main beneficiaries of the increased economic activity in the host cities particularly with a high percentage of fans intending to visit leisure and shopping facilities. However a significant amount of money will also have been spent on air transport and accommodation.

Sport is already a large economic generator for the region and ancillary benefits have been felt from the staging of events in the past. The Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002 kick started a rejuvenation in the east of the city and was a demonstration of what could be achieved in economic turns around sport. An assessment of the direct, long-term effects of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester highlighted the creation of 6,300 full-time jobs and a £22 million increase in turnover experienced by local businesses.

Similar results are expected around East London with the staging of the Olympics in 2012 with positive reverberations felt in the North West with the Olympic Delivery Authority and London Organising Committee expected to allocate over £6bn of work as part of business opportunities covering contractors and supply chains in the run up to the Olympics. With the easy accessibility to the capital, and the use of Manchester International Airport alongside an array of sporting venues, some remaining from the legacy of the Commonwealth Games, then the stage is set for Manchester to continue reaping the social and economic benefits of sport to the regional economy.

-ENDS-

Case studies

Rick Adkinson, Branch Secretary of the Manchester United Hong Kong supporter's club

"I've been supporting Manchester United since the 1960's so the chance to catch them in this Final was one I wasn't going to miss. My normal day job is Managing Director of a firm in Hong Kong but I also have other duties as branch secretary to the Manchester United Hong Kong Supporter's Club. About twenty of us flew to Moscow on the Monday before the Final with a few of our number coming from as far afield as Japan and Singapore."

Gary Brisbane - Melbourne Glasgow Rangers Supporters Club

"In total I must have spent about $7000 (£3300) on the whole trip but I've been following Rangers since I was a young lad growing up in Glasgow and even though my parents emigrated to Australia about 19 years ago it's not stopped me from supporting Rangers one little bit and overall I have been supporting Rangers for approximately 25 years now. I am a manager of a building company in Melbourne but also a member of the Melbourne Glasgow Rangers Supporters Club and I travelled with the president of our club to Manchester. We took a bit of a gamble and purchased the Final tickets two weeks before the semi-final was even played and paid a lot for those two tickets, but it was money well spent that's for sure. If only we'd won!"

Karen Arnott - Melbourne Glasgow Rangers Supporters Club

It cost me $3000 (£1400) dollars to fly over to Manchester. I've been a Rangers fan all my life and I was a season ticket holder at Ibrox until the end of the 2003 season before I moved to Australia in January 2004. I can't make it to many games at Ibrox now, obviously, as it's a bit too far to travel on a regular basis but each time I'm home I get to whatever games I can. I've been back five times so far since I left but only managed one other game at Ibrox last season so the chance to go to Manchester was too good an opportunity to pass up. I'm an Associate Nurse Unit Manager by day but a Rangers fan at night at the moment. I'm getting used to sitting in front of my laptop at 2 or 3am trying to pick up live feeds on the internet of games.

The aircraft, which is renowned for its quietness, low fuel burn, spaciousness and comfort on two full-length passenger decks, will be appearing at both Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport, before following the River Mersey and the Liverpool waterfront to the Wirral Show, west of New Brighton.

A380's appearances in the North West are scheduled to take place consecutively between 1pm and 2pm on the day. They comprise a 'flypast' (an 'approach and go-around') at both Manchester and Liverpool airports; then, in tribute to the city's role as European Capital of Culture 2008, this prestigious European aircraft will follow Liverpool's historic waterfront, flying above the equally famous River Mersey to culminate in an appearance at the Wirral Show (weather permitting).

As it arrives at the northern coast of the Wirral, many of the 200,000 visitors attending the two-day Wirral Show will be treated to a special flying display. As long as suitable weather conditions prevail, the crowds will witness an exclusive preview of the A380 demonstration display that Airbus A380 Project Pilot Peter Chandler, and his colleague Frank Chapman, will be performing daily for potential customers at Farnborough International Air Show - which takes place in Hampshire during the following week (14th-20th July).

With wings produced at the Airbus UK site at Broughton, Flintshire, west of Chester and with many of its 7,000 strong workforce, plus suppliers and their friends and family being resident on the Wirral and in the Liverpool and Manchester areas, this tour will be something of a homecoming for the A380 development aircraft, designated MSN004.

Having played a key role in the original flight test programme for the A380 and flying on the fourth set of A380 wings delivered from Broughton (in the summer of 2004, initially using the Bromborough/Wirral built river craft, up the River Dee to Port of Mostyn in North Wales and thereafter on to France), this aircraft is today used for demonstration and development purposes around the world. This includes, on 1st February 2008, becoming the first commercial aircraft to fly with a synthetic liquid fuel processed from gas (Gas to Liquids - GTL) in a successful three hour flight, also flown by Frank Chapman, between Filton, UK and Toulouse, France as part of Airbus's alternative fuel research programme.

Thirty-two pairs of A380 wings (including test wings) have now been delivered from the Airbus factory at Broughton since April 2004. Workers on the site have already seen two private A380 flypasts at their own Hawarden Airfield in North Wales (in April 2006 and March 2007); but this will be the A380's first official visit to the North West and its first day of flying displays in the UK since its initial debut at Farnborough Air Show in 2006.

Peter Chandler, a former RAF pilot and ex-Virgin Atlantic Airways Captain, who has been carrying out regular test flights in A380s since 2005, said: "It is a great privilege to be able to bring the A380 to the North West and to show it off for the first time at the region's international airports. We are especially keeping our fingers crossed for good weather over the Wirral in order to fully demonstrate how versatile, quiet and manoeuvrable this wonderful aircraft is. All of which are characteristics owing a great deal to the British-designed, Broughton-built wings. We are very conscious that this is the first opportunity many of our colleagues who built the aircraft, will have to see it truly perform."

Peter continued: "A total of 196 A380s have been ordered to date by 17 customers. Five of these aircraft have now been delivered to Singapore Airlines and the A380 is proving very successful in airline service. Not only is it very popular with the crews who fly it but also with the passengers who really appreciate the new standards of comfort, quietness and spaciousness inside."

Frank Chapman, another former RAF pilot and ex-commercial pilot for Monarch Airlines, said: "Although now based at Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, as former pilots in the RAF, both myself and Peter have spent many hours in the past flying in the North West and we have very much been looking forward to this visit. With Manchester Airport expecting to see the introduction of A380 on scheduled services before too long, this is a wonderful opportunity to introduce the aircraft to the team there. In addition, as this year's European Capital of Culture - which already attracts so many new visitors - we felt it was especially fitting that Europe's most prestigious new aircraft pays a visit to Liverpool and John Lennon Airport too."

Airbus is an EADS company.

Advice to Public wishing to watch at Manchester Airport
Visitors are welcome to watch the aircraft from the Multi Storey car park at Terminal 1 arrivals - please note that car hire pick up and drop off is on the top level (level 13) so please use other levels for parking and use the stairways to walk to the top of the car park - please take care when doing so.

08/07/2008
-Ends-

This may affect passengers travelling to and from Terminal 3.

See Map showing Ringway Road

Manchester Airport has been awarded the prestigious Best Airport Award 2008 by Airports Council International Europe.

The airport was named as the winner in the 10-25 million passenger category at the 4th Annual ACI Europe Best Airport Awards held in Paris this week. The judges praised Manchester Airport for "its simple, innovative approach to attracting airlines" and its commitment to the environment following the decision to make the airport carbon neutral by 2015. Also singled out for praise were the airport's community relations programme and its sponsorship of the arts.

The judges were impressed with Manchester's focus on customer service and its Customer First programme, designed to make sure that passengers have a seamless, easy and worry-free experience when they travel through Manchester Airport.

The airport was commended for the way it has handled changes to security restrictions, investing £10 million in a new security screening area in Terminal 1 and more than £2.2 million in new, state-of-the-art x-ray machines.

The awards followed a conference attended by more than 500 industry leaders, national government and EU officials where they discussed the challenges faced by European Airports, including the environment, aviation system capacity, airport financing and security.

Manchester Airport's Managing Director Andrew Cornish expressed his delight at receiving the award. He said: " These are challenging times in the aviation industry and we know that there are some excellent airports in Europe, so to win this prestigious award is particularly great news.

"Manchester Airport puts customers first and that includes both airlines and our passengers. We are committed to making life as easy and hassle free as possible for people when they travel through Manchester Airport.

"We're also committed to the community, the environment and we're a major sponsor of the arts in the region. We firmly believe that our approach is the right way to run an airport of the future and we're delighted that the efforts of everyone here at Manchester Airport have been recognised in this award."

Awards were presented to winning airports by Dr Yiannis Paraschis, President of ACI EUROPE.

Other awards were presented as follows:

Under 1 million passengers - Angelholm-Helsingborg Airport
1 - 5 million passengers - SAGAT Turin Airport
5 - 10 million passengers - Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport
Over 25 million passengers - Madrid- Barajas Airport

PWC's role will be to act on MAG's behalf in exploring a possible transfer of ownership of Humberside Airport.

The review, which began in April, will consider all the options to secure the best long-term future for Humberside Airport including a sale of MAG's stake.

Commenting on the appointment Penny Coates, Managing Director Regional Airports Division, said: "PWC has an enormous amount of experience with the aviation industry and will be working to develop a strategy to attract potential long- term investors and to value Humberside Airport".

"We began this review because although Humberside Airport is a profitable business with a solid future, maximising that potential does not fit easily with our strategy. PWC bring a wealth of expertise to this project and I am delighted to welcome them to the MAG team".

Manchester Airport will mark its 70th anniversary on June 25th 2008

The airport, which was originally called Manchester (Ringway) Airport, today handles more than 22 million passengers a year and is one of the UK's largest international airports.

A series of celebratory events have been planned to take place throughout the year including an M Fest family day, a dinner for dignitaries and this birthday year will also see the long awaited completion of the new Concorde hangar.

Manchester Airport's Managing Director Andrew Cornish said: "Manchester Airport has a long and fascinating history and we're proud to be celebrating our 70th anniversary.

"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 1 and Terminal 2 are both undergoing major redevelopment work at the moment and we are working on a new air traffic control tower and, of course, the new hangar for Concorde. We now fly to more than 220 destinations world-wide and have more than 100 airlines operating out of Manchester Airport. These are exciting times for the future of Manchester Airport."

In 6 months of operations in 1938 the airport handled 4000 passengers - In 6 months of operations in 2007 the airport handled over 11 million passengers - that's 22 million a year.

In 1938 there were 12 destinations served by Manchester, only 1 of them being outside the UK - In 2007 Manchester had over 220 destinations worldwide, more than any other UK airport.

In 1938 there were only two check-in desks - In 2008 there are hundreds of check-in desks, plus Express and Internet check-in facilities.

The runway in 1938 was 3000 feet in length - The modern runways are 10000 feet (3048 metres) in length.

Archived images

Manchester Airport - A Quick History
June 25th 1938 - Ringway opens. In its first 14 months, the airport handles 7,600 passengers… the equivalent of a summer morning's work today.

1939 - An illuminated concrete fog line is installed, marking out the main 06/24 runway. It was the first one to be installed outside of the USA.

1941 - The prototype Lancaster bomber is given its first test flight from Ringway.
1951- The main runway is extended from 1,280 metres to 1,798 metres.

1952 - The Airport commences 24-hour operations and now handles 163,000 passengers every year.

1954 - The airport officially changes it name from Manchester Ringway to Manchester Airport. The airport records its millionth passenger since the Second World War.

1962 - Prince Phillip officially opens a new terminal (now Terminal 1) that was the first European terminal to utilise the 'pier' system, in which passengers remain under cover until ready to board the aircraft. The main concourse also had four Venetian chandeliers hanging from the roof.

1967 - A major extension began on the main runway; the work involved bridging the A538 Wilmslow to Altrincham road.
1969 - The runway is extended to 2,745 metres, allowing aircraft to take off with a full payload and fly non-stop to Canada.

1971- The airport reaches 2 million passengers for the first time.

1978 - The government announced that Manchester had been nominated as the sole Category A 'Gateway International Airport' outside of London. 15 scheduled airlines operate flights to 37 destinations in the UK, Europe and North America. Over one hundred companies operate at the airport, employing more than 5,000 people.

1980 - For the first time, passenger numbers top more than half a million in a single month. Manchester became the fastest growing international airport in Europe.

1984 - In June of that year, the Duchess of Kent officially opens the new check-in facilities.

1986 - The Pier C satellite lounge is completed in July with parking available for three wide-bodied aircraft, this greatly improved aircraft handling facilities. In September the first phase of the new dedicated Cargo Centre, The World Freight Terminal, was completed.

1987 - The final phase of the redevelopment of the Terminal saw a massive £3 million refurbishment of the concourse.

1989 - HRH the Princess of Wales opens the new Domestic Terminal, which includes dedicated check-in and car parking facilities.

1992 - The Aviation Viewing Park is opened. Ringway Handling Services is formed, to provide a complete baggage and freight-handling service.

1993 - Terminal Two is officially opened, again by Prince Phillip (in this case filling in for the Queen who was ill). Built at a cost of £265 million, it represented the largest construction enterprise in the region, and was designed to handle six million passengers a year.

A new railway station is opened in May, providing direct links to many towns and cities in the North of England.

The airport is formally recognised as the largest sponsor of the arts in the North West and ranks in the top ten national arts sponsors.

1997 - Approval is granted and work begins for the building of the second runway.

1998 - A major extension to Terminal One domestic is opened by the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott. The new Terminal is first known as Terminal One British Airways, but has now been rebranded as Terminal 3.

2001 - Runway Two is officially opened by the Prime Minister, Tony Blair. The £172million development was the first Runway to be built in the UK for more than 20 years.
2002 - As a major host-city sponsor, Manchester Airport welcomes athletes from around the world to the Commonwealth Games.
2003 - The £5.5 million retail upgrade of Terminal 1 is completed and extensive development of Terminal 2 gets under way.
Manchester Airport's bid to house one of the retired Concorde fleet is successful. It is announced that the aircraft, G-BOAC, will go on display in the Aviation Viewing Park from Spring/Summer 2004.
2004 - The airport's newly built public transport interchange, offering connections to many major UK cities, is officially opened by the Rt Hon Margaret Beckett, MP. The airport marks its 20 millionth passenger in the space of a year.
2005 - Manchester Airport handles 22 million passengers in a year, for the first time.
2006 - Lufthansa celebrates 50 years of flights from Manchester Airport.
2007 - Building work begins on a major refurbishment of Terminal One. Meanwhile, runway markings are changed to 05-23 from 06-24 to account for changes to the earth's magnetic field.

Ends

For further media information contact Manchester Airport Press Office 0161 489 2700 or email

We've been granted an emergency closure order between 21.00 and 05.00 for a maximum of 5 nights beginning Tuesday 27 May. The work should be complete in 2 nights, but there is a risk that weather delays can occur. We know from past experience that this work will be difficult or impossible if there are moderately high winds. Indeed we have had to abort this work before for that reason. However, we will not close the road if there is no prospect of work that night, and will not continue with closures after the job is completed.

Traffic Management
We will divert traffic from the end of the M56 for T1 and T3 and Premier Park down Ringway Road West and into the Airport past the Airport Hotel via Ringway Road.
The mini roundabout is still in place at that junction and will stay until after this work. As the work is only planned for nighttime, airport traffic is much lighter and we will not sign T1 traffic off the M56 at the T2 exit slip.

Petrol station traffic will still be able to access the Station off Outwood Lane, but will have to exit via World Way onto the M56

Aer Arann
Ryan Air
Olympic Airlines
Aurigny Air Services
Icelandair
European Aviation Air Charter
Futura
Spanair
Kibris Turkish Airlines
Air Berlin
Jet2.com
Lufthansa
Swiss International Airlines
Libyan Airlines

Directions
Travelling by car/ drop off for Ground Level Check In

Leave the M56 at Junction 5, keeping to the right hand lane and follow the signs for Terminal 1. The Hilton and Bewleys hotel are located on the left hand side, keep in the right hand lane following signs for Terminal 1 Ground Level Departures, take the 2nd exit at the roundabout and this will bring you outside Ground Level Check In and the drop off area.

Using Long Stay Car Parks

Transfer buses run every 15 mins 24 hours a day.

The first stop for the T1/T3 long stay car park bus is outside Terminal 3 it then carries on to Terminal 1, stopping outside the entrance to Ground Level Check In.

Returning passengers can pick up the T1/T3 long stay car park bus from outside Terminal 1 arrivals.

Terminal 1 multi-storey Short Stay Car Park

If parking on levels 3,5,7,9,11,13 take the lift to level 0 and follow signs directing you to Ground Level Check In.

If parking on levels 4,6,8,10,12 take the lifts to level 0 and follow signs directing you to Ground Level Check In, through Terminal 1 Arrivals Hall.

Ground Transport - The Station

If arriving by train, coach or bus take the Station Link Bus to Terminal 1 and 3. Follow signs for the T1/T3 link bus, which departs from the front entrance of the station every 10 minutes. The first stop is outside Terminal 3 it then it carries on to Terminal 1, stopping outside the entrance to Ground Level Check In.

Alternatively you can walk to Terminal 1 following the signs via the covered walk way. Upon arrival in Terminal 1, take the main passenger lifts to Level 0 and then follow signs for Ground Level Check In.

When entering Terminal 1 and take the one of the three main lifts to level 0 and follow the signs for Ground Level Check In.

Speaking today, Ryanair's Bridget Dowling said:

"This new route to Frankfurt will operate 4 times a week will allow an additional 60,000 passengers per annum to enjoy Ryanair's guaranteed lowest fares from Manchester.

"To celebrate this new route, Ryanair is giving away seats to Frankfurt Hahn for just £10 including taxes and charges, and we advise passengers to log onto www.ryanair.com immediately, because this offer must end at midnight on Thursday."

Ends.

Flybe are offering all passengers the chance to re-book for free.

Brussels Airlines via Brussels

SWISS via Zurich

Lufthansa via Frankfurt and Munich

Air France via Paris

KLM via Amsterdam

Finnair via Helsinki

SAS via Copenhagen

Useful Information
Please note you will need a visa to enter Moscow.

Search our flight-booking engine for the latest fares - Book Now

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Humberside Airport has maintained annual passenger volumes of approximately 500,000 during a period of intense competition and has broadened its aviation activities to include scheduled and charter passenger services, freight, North Sea gas rig services, aircraft maintenance, pilot training and a variety of other specialised niches.

MAG now believes that in order to secure the best long-term future for Humberside Airport that all options, including a possible transfer of ownership, should be considered.

This would allow MAG to concentrate on its strategy of maximising the growth opportunities offered by the larger Manchester, East Midlands and Bournemouth Airports.

Employees at Humberside Airport and North Lincolnshire Council, the airport's minority shareholder were informed of the Group's decision today by MAG Chief Executive, Geoff Muirhead CBE.

Simon Driver, Chief Executive of North Lincolnshire Council said of the decision:"North Lincolnshire Council welcomes the long-term relationship with Manchester Airports Group and recognises that now is the time to look to the future. We will build on the success of the airport for the benefit of North Lincolnshire and the wider region.
"The airport has real potential and the council, as a shareholder, will look to maximise the development of the airport in the future. The council has maintained its shareholding in the airport since 1996.
"In light of the news from Manchester Airports Group, the council now needs to consider its position. It is inappropriate to comment further at this stage."

Commenting on the move, Geoff Muirhead CBE said: "Humberside Airport is a solid business but the attention needed to maximise its full potential may not fit easily with the Group's emerging strategy.

"The Humberside Airport team has done a fantastic job retaining and attracting airlines and maintaining stable passenger numbers, particularly during the last few years when competition has increased significantly."

Since purchasing its majority stake in Humberside Airport in 1999 for £10 million, MAG has invested nearly £7 million in capital expenditure to improve and develop the airport infrastructure.

Routes currently served from Humberside Airport include Air France/KLM's worldwide hub at Amsterdam, many of the popular holiday destinations in Europe, the Canaries, Lapland, the Channel Islands and domestic services to Scotland.

Humberside Airport has a core catchment area of over 1 million people within 45 minutes driving time and serves the major towns and cities of Hull, Grimsby/Cleethorpes, Scunthorpe and Lincoln.

MAG's other three airports, Manchester, East Midlands and Bournemouth, together handle around 28 million passengers every year and are unique within their catchment area in terms of destinations, airlines, facilities and proximity to the main surface transport infrastructure.

The review and any future decisions about MAG's stake in Humberside Airport are expected to be completed by the end of 2008.

- ENDS -

A bus service will operate from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 and The Station from this date and will be prominently signposted as will an external walking route.

Not only have the companies rolled a new £15m road-over-rail bridge at the airport into place two days ahead of schedule, but have also reopened a main road into the airport five days early. Outwood Lane, which leads to and from Terminals 1 and 3 opened on February 27 instead of March 3.

The concrete bridge has been built alongside the existing station at the airport and is a crucial milestone in the programme to build a third platform.
It is hoped the bridge will relieve congestion and improve operational flexibility, leading to better punctuality and reliability of trains.

Peter Strachan, route director for Network Rail, said: "Completing this section of the project five days early means no more delays to passengers travelling by road to and from the airport. Careful project planning and close liaison between us and our contractor has paid dividends."
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Bob Longworth, capacity planning manager at the Airport, said: "The third rail platform will play a significant role in the future of Manchester Airport's overall transport infrastructure and this essential work has been carried out speedily and effectively. "We are very pleased to be able to open Outwood Lane early causing our passengers the minimum amount of disruption as they travel to and from the airport." David Cochrane, from GMPTE's Infrastructure Projects, added: "This is fantastic news and reflection of how well the project is being managed by the Network Rail team on behalf of the funders and stakeholders."

Outwood Lane passes over the ends of the station platforms so an additional bridge section had to be constructed to take the road over the new platform.
The new bridge, shaped like an upside down U, was built using poured concrete, then raised up on a 64-wheeled transporter before being rolled into place.
Having successfully completed the roll, the area around the new structure was filled, allowing the road to be resurfaced and reopened.

The new route to Lisbon will start with a two times a week service operating from Manchester on Tuesday and Sunday. bmibaby is the only airline flying to the vibrant Portugese capital city from the airport and services commence on 17th June 2008. Fares start from just £24.99 one way, including taxes and charges.

bmibaby will also introduce a new service to Madrid, another route that is currently not served from the airport. Flights will operate on a Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday and services commence on the 16th June 2008. Fares start from just £24.99 one way including taxes and charges.

The introduction of the new four times a week service to Barcelona will operate on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Services commence on 8th September 2008. Fares start from just £24.99 one way including taxes and charges.

bmibaby currently operate a daily service from Manchester to Ireland West Knock and will add an additional service to the schedule on Sunday, taking the total number of weekly flights to and from the airport to 16. Fares start from just £18.99 one way including taxes and charges.

Crawford Rix, managing director, bmibaby, said:

"I am pleased that bmibaby will offer two brand new destinations from Manchester to Lisbon and Madrid, both routes are currently not served from the airport. Plus we are adding in a new four times a week service to Barcelona, great news for those looking for an exciting break at low fares.

"The introduction of two flights a week to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal will offer the traveller a chance to visit a fascinating historical city and provide a gateway to many hidden gems and undiscovered areas of Portugal. To continue the capital city theme, our new four flights a week to Madrid, a culturally rich destination will delight many with its cosmopolitan charm.

"We have also ramped up the number of flights to Ireland West Knock with the addition of an extra service on Sunday. This will offer business and leisure travellers even more flexibility and choice from their local airport with 16 flights a week to and from the airport.

"bmibaby is continually looking to offer even more attractive destinations from Manchester Airport to add to the existing 14 great places that we currently fly to. Plus we are committed to offering low fares. Prices start from just £18.99 one way including taxes and charges."

Tim McDermott, Manchester Airport's Director of Aviation Development, said of the new routes:

"bmibaby is a dynamic, award winning airline that offers passengers a range of flights at excellent prices and we are delighted to see the start of two exciting new routes to Lisbon and Madrid. With bmibaby now offering flights to Barcelona and increasing the frequency of flights to Ireland West Knock this will allow passengers a great range of choice.

"Manchester Airport now offers 226 destinations worldwide - more than any other UK Airport - and these latest new routes are yet more additions to our exciting schedule."

For summer 2008 bmibaby will fly from Manchester Airport to: Alicante, Barcelona, Belfast (Intl), Bordeaux, Cork, Ireland West Knock, Jersey, Lisbon, Madrid, Malaga, Newquay, Palma, Perpignan and Prague. Fares start from just £18.99 one way including taxes and charges.

The UK regional airline, which reintroduced services to Stansted after Air Berlin withdrew from the route in October 2007, will increase flights from three to four each week day from 7 April 2008. Greater convenience and choice will appeal to business commuters.

The new schedule will see weekday departures leaving Manchester at 7.15am, 11.05am, 2.20pm and 5.50pm, arriving in Stansted at 8.10am, 12 noon, 3.15pm and 6.45pm. From Stansted, flights depart at 8.45am, 12.30pm, 4pm and 7.20pm, landing in Manchester at 9.50am, 1.40pm, 5.05pm and 8.25pm.

To coincide with the additional frequency, the independent carrier, which is one of the UK's most punctual scheduled airlines*, has also introduced lower great value one way fares to the route starting from £49 including taxes, fees and charges.

Chris Holliday, Eastern Airways' chief operating officer said: "We are further enhancing our business schedules, offering north of England commuters greater choice, convenience and flexibility to help them make the best use of day trips. Along with these additional services we have introduced great value one way fares on the route, which will also appeal to those travelling for leisure purposes."

"We welcome Eastern Airways decision to further expand the Stansted service from Manchester," said Aidan Mooney, Manchester Airport's head of network development. "This latest announcement is excellent news for north west companies with business links and it further enhances our network of domestic services as we continue to provide travellers with a truly comprehensive range of world wide destinations from Manchester."

With up to 20 flights a week from Manchester to Stansted, the service is aimed at both business and leisure travellers heading for Cambridgeshire, Essex, Suffolk and Hertfordshire.

All customers travelling with Eastern Airways can utilise a dedicated fast track security channel at Stansted to avoid queues and, the airline does not charge for hold baggage. Onboard, all passengers have a choice of seat and are offered complimentary drinks and snacks, including champagne.

Eastern Airways has been operating high frequency scheduled services from Manchester for eight years and also flies from the airport to Inverness.

Geoff Muirhead CBE, Chief Executive of the Manchester Airports Group said: "We are delighted to be supporting the FINA World Swimming Championships in 2008.

"More than 650 of the world's premier athletes from 120 different countries will be arriving in the city many through Manchester Airport, not to mention all their supporters, so we are proud to be able to give them the warm Mancunian welcome they deserve."

The eyes of the world will be on Manchester for the five day event which will be the first world swimming championship of its kind ever to be staged in the UK. The MEN Arena will be the venue for the event and allow the use of dramatic lighting and sound effects.

Marc Hope, Director of Rights Marketing said: I'm please to welcome Manchester Airport to the growing sponsor family."

And Head of PR for the event, five times world swimming champion and Mancunian James Hickman said: It's fantastic news that Manchester Airport are on board as it will enable us to offer a warm and friendly welcome to the elite athletes and dignitaries attending the event.

"It will also help us to create a fantastic atmosphere throughout the city and beyond so all our visitors to the airport will feel they're part of a very special world-class Manchester Event. It will be an incredible experience."

For more information on tickets go to www.manchester2008.com/tickets

Manchester Airport has launched a new valet parking service providing fast and convenient access to both terminals 1 and 3.

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 website or by phone.

The now retired supersonic aircraft, which was the pride of the British Airways fleet and has been on display at Manchester Airport since 2003, is to get a new home designed to protect her from the elements and boost visitor numbers.

Work is due to start on the £1.1 million, 68 metre by 38 metre, glass, steel and high tech PVC structure early in Spring and is due to be completed and open to the public by the end of July.

Concorde G-BOAC is the central attraction in the 250,000 visitor a year Aviation Viewing Park at Manchester Airport and is also a licensed wedding venue where many couples have tied the knot on board the aircraft which, when she flew, was capable of twice the speed of sound.

The new development will also include a corporate hospitality suite capable of housing up to 75 delegates, an education centre for school tours, an aviation exhibition and a glass-walled visitor restaurant alongside Concorde with views of Manchester Airport's busy runways.

Manchester Airport's Operations Director Andrew Holl said of the announcement: "I'm delighted that work is now going to be able to start on the hangar for this important piece of aviation history.

"Concorde is very close to our hearts here at Manchester Airport and we know that her many thousands of visitors feel passionately about her care for the future. We have been working on this proposal for the last year and are all very excited that the first spade will be going in the ground in a matter of weeks.

"The hangar will not only protect Concorde for future generations to enjoy but it will also provide a great day out for the thousands of people we expect to visit in the future. We're especially pleased as it will mean that visitors can come to the Viewing Park in all weathers, knowing that they can see our exhibits and runways without being exposed to the elements."

The contract for the work has been awarded to The Hurst Group and the hangar is being supplied by De Boer. The construction is still subject to final planning approval by Manchester City Council.

15 January 2008

Manchester will be de-designated so that it will be able to set its own charges.

Manchester Airports Group has expressed its delight that the Secretary of State has decided to remove the burden of price control regulation from Manchester Airport, a decision it believes recognises that, today, the best regulator is the market.

Jonathan Bailey, Group External Affairs Director said: "The Secretary of State's decision is a victory for common sense and testimony to our commitment to working in partnership with our airline customers to meet their needs and those of our passengers."

"The decision also allows the airport to save the millions of pounds that it has to spend on being regulated and instead invest them in improving the airport and pass the savings on to customers."

Dr Bailey added, "Our extensive programme of consultation with airlines has been a key part of demonstrating to the government that we have an open business relationship with our customers that does not need to be regulated. We look forward to working with our airlines to continue to provide excellent value services to the benefit of Manchester and the wider region."

Ms Kelly said: "In making my decision on Manchester I have taken into consideration the fact that other local airports, such as Liverpool airport, offer real choice for passengers. Furthermore, there is spare capacity at Manchester and competing airports now and for the foreseeable future, even allowing for expected growth in demand. The decision to de-designate Manchester will enable the airport to grow and develop without the costs of excessive regulation falling to passengers in the future."

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.".

16 January 2008

By Summer 2008 all Manchester Airport restricted zone pass holders must be enrolled on the new staff iris system, which uses biometric technology to grant access to controlled areas. A trial of the technology at the T3 service yard where an iris recognition camera system photographs the eyes of everyone passing through and compares their unique iris to the one held on record, has proved so successful that it is being extended to include T1 and T2 service yards.

Manchester Airport's Security and Training Manager Asha Williams said: "The trial of the technology has gone really well and we are now extending to include two new areas of access to the restricted zone. We're always looking for new ways to simplify and further improve the robust security screening process of both passengers and staff and by harnessing this clever technology we can achieve both those goals."

Staff using the new entry points will still continue to use and display their ID cards. They will swipe their card and enter a personal pin number before entering a booth where a specialised camera will check their iris. The iris information is held on secure access control system only operated by Manchester Airport's pass office. The information is not being shared with any other organisation, nor used for any other purposes aside from the enhancement of the security within the airport.

Manchester is the first UK airport to use the technology for staff access. The system is separate from the passenger iris system used by immigration in T1 and T2. The company behind the staff iris scheme technology is Human Recognition System, in conjunction with CEM Systems. Simon Meyer, Project Manager, explained: "The system has been incredibly successful and improved the overall security screening process of staff who pass through to the restricted zone. The technology is cutting-edge but proven and we are delighted that it has proved so successful that the scheme is being rolled out across all the terminals."

The scheme is being rolled out in phases. All new and renewed pass holders are now registered for the scheme when their pass is issued. Staff using T3 service yard must be registered by February, those using T2 by March and those using T1 by May.

16 January 2008

Both Monarch Airlines and First Choice fly to Kenya from Manchester Airport. For the latest information about your flight please visit your airline website;

www.flymonarch.com or www.firstchoice.co.uk

The Airport was 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 mean that Manchester Airport passengers are allowed to carry more than one item of hand baggage 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.

At the airport
To ensure your journey is a smooth one, please ensure that you read the latest regulations about what you can and cannot take on board the aircraft.

You can also download our handy Traveller Checklist before you travel to ensure you are prepared before you get to the airport - Download

Hand baggage

Manchester Airport have lifted the 1 bag per passenger rule - more info

Liquids
Passengers will be allowed to take liquids, gels and pastes of 100mls or less in their hand baggage. These items must be contained within a small, re-sealable plastic wallet, which will have to be removed from their hand baggage and x-rayed separately.

The new rules stipulate that the plastic wallet must not exceed one litre capacity per passenger - that's around half the size of a standard A4 piece of paper and it must be sealable. The wallet can contain two or more items of less than 100mls each but must not be cluttered to allow security officers to carry out thorough checks.

Liquids include:
Water and other drinks, soups, syrups
Creams, lotions and oils
Perfumes
Sprays
Gels, including hair and shower gels
Contents of pressurised containers, including shaving foam, other foams and deodorants
Pastes, including toothpaste
Liquid-solid mixtures
Mascara
Any other item of a similar consistency

Large electrical items / Laptops
Laptops and other complex items of electrical equipment have to be removed from hand luggage and screened separately.

WHAT DOES NOT CHANGE
Passengers will continue to be allowed to pack liquids in the bags that they check-in. Passengers will also be allowed to carry in their hand luggage medicines and dietary requirements including baby foods, for use during the flight.

Please note that; you may be asked for proof that these items are needed.
Parents WILL be asked to sample baby milk and food and also those people with dietary requirements.
These also need to be in containers of 100mls or less.
Passengers will be able to buy liquids including drinks and perfumes either in an EU airport shop after security control, or on board an aircraft operated by an EU airline. If they are sold in a special sealed bag, passengers must not open them before they are screened otherwise the contents may be confiscated at the security checkpoint.

Don't Forget - Before the airport
Before you arrive at Manchester Airport, make sure you have a valid passport (and visa where necessary) for your trip.

Many authorities require a passport that's valid for at least six months from the time you fly.

If you need help and advice, visit the UK Passport website.

On domestic flights, airlines now require to see appropriate photo identity. Please check with your airline about which forms of photo identity are acceptable.

Check-In times
Please check your ticket or travel itinerary, or contact your airline for advice on check in times. Generally, check in desks open 2-3 hours before the flight is due to depart.

Pick Up Procedures
Check the latest pick up and drop off procedures at Manchester Airport.

First TransPennine Express is expanding its network to provide 14 daily services each day between Scotland and Manchester.

Four trains a day will run from Edinburgh to Manchester and three each day from Glasgow Central.

The new service is being provided as part of the changes to the cross country rail franchise and opens up new journey opportunities with a direct link into the heart of Manchester Airport, which has its own integrated station.

The end to end journey time from Edinburgh or Glasgow will be four hours or less and the trains will make intermediate calls at Carlisle and Penrith, in addition to First TransPennine Express' usual calling points south of Oxenholme on route to Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport. Services to and from Glasgow will also call at Lockerbie.

Vernon Barker, managing director of First TransPennine Express, says: "We are delighted to be able to serve Edinburgh and Glasgow with new trains and offer new journey opportunities via Manchester Airport to worldwide destinations."

John Twigg, planning and infrastructure director at Manchester Airport says: "We are delighted that more towns and cities in northern Britain will now enjoy direct rail services to Manchester Airport. This will provide local people and businesses with quick and convenient access to our network of 225 worldwide destinations.

This is further proof of the success of TPE in meeting the needs of air passengers, with nearly 3 million travellers a year now using our state of the art transport interchange, and so helping to reduce road congestion and emissions."

The Runway 2 trail will take walkers through some of the 75 hectares of new woodlands and grasslands created as part of Runway 2 as well as 97 wildlife ponds, three bat barns and the new River Bollin tunnel.

The scheme is part of the extensive environmental project undertaken as part of the development work and represents a significant milestone in the six years of environmental projects since the February 2001 opening of Runway 2.

The trail circles the whole of Runway 2 and offers ramblers two different lengths of walk. It passes the site of a former Bronze Age farm discovered during excavation work for the building of Runway 2 and a newly installed willow sculpture of Concorde, which was commissioned by the Airport to mark the opening of the trail.

Manchester Airport's Environment Manager Tim Walmsley said of the trail: "We have worked extremely hard on the environment around Runway 2 restoring and building new ponds for our wildlife, creating new areas of woodland and grassland and building three new barns for bats.

"The new nature trail will allow people to walk all the way around Runway 2 and see many of these new landscape features as well as get some incredible views of aircraft and the airport."

And he added: "We are particularly pleased with the willow sculpture of Concorde at the start of the trail which we commissioned from the Littoral Arts Trust, an arts and environmental education charity based in Rossendale. It's a really fantastic piece of work, which is about a third of the size of the real thing and has already proved to be popular with visitors to the Aviation Viewing Park."

The trail starts at Manchester Airport's Aviation Viewing Park.

The Airport is preparing to handle more than half a million passengers between Friday 21st December 2007 and Tuesday 1st January 2008.

270,000 passengers are expected to depart from Manchester Airport in just five days. Saturday 22nd December is expected to be the biggest day for travel with 58,000 passengers catching flights.

The most popular warm holiday destination for Christmas travellers from Manchester is Tenerife with Alicante and Malaga coming second and third. The most popular long haul destinations are Las Vegas and Dubai. Short breaks are dominated by Paris, Rome and Bergen in Norway.

Ryanair, Europe's largest low fares airline today (18th Dec) announced 4 new routes from Manchester to Barcelona, Bremen, Marseille and Milan. These new routes will start in April and with Ryanair's existing routes to Dublin and Shannon will deliver 600,000 passengers to / from Manchester next year, generating a visitor spend of £50m and sustaining 600 local jobs.

Today's new routes are part of Ryanair's largest ever new route expansion which sees 50 new routes for 2008, including 3 new airports, Angouleme (France), Arad and Constanta (Romania). In the UK, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Liverpool, London, Manchester and Newquay will all benefit from new route announcements today.

Speaking in Manchester, Ryanair's Director of Scheduled Revenue, Sean Coyle said;

"Only Ryanair guarantees the lowest fares and today's new routes are great news for Mancunian passengers who have had to put up with British Airways' high fare stranglehold for too long. We look forward to generating £60m in savings for passengers who vote with their feet for Ryanair's guaranteed lowest fares next year from Manchester.

"Ryanair is and will continue to be the largest airline in the Northwest delivering 4 million passengers through Blackpool, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool and Manchester in 2008, two years before Easyjet hopes to reach the same volumes. As usual, while Easyjet talks, only Ryanair delivers. Passengers throughout the Northwest prefer Ryanair because we are the only airline to guarantee the lowest fares.

"To celebrate the roll out of Ryanair's largest ever European expansion we are releasing 2 million seats across our 605 European routes for just £10/ €10. This offer must end at midnight Thursday, so we advise passengers to go straight to www.ryanair.com because these bargains will be snapped up in record time".

easyJet, the UK's biggest airline, today announces massive expansion from the North West of England, with the addition of new aircraft to its long-established base at Liverpool John Lennon Airport as well as the opening of a base at Manchester International Airport. The move will make easyJet the biggest airline operating in the North West, carrying over 4 million passengers each year.

easyJet currently operates eight aircraft from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, offering a choice of 20 routes to main city airports across Europe and carrying around 2.5 million passengers a year. By 2010, easyJet will base a total of 10 aircraft in Liverpool.

Today, easyJet also announces that it will establish a new base at Manchester. In October easyJet announced its intention to buy the British Airways franchise operator, GB Airways, which has a two-aircraft based at Manchester. easyJet intends to maintain the GB Airways operation at Manchester and will add a further three aircraft, bringing the total number of aircraft based at Manchester to five by 2010.

This means that by 2010, easyJet will have 15 aircraft operating through the two principal airports in the North West, giving it access to a catchment area of some 8 million people within a 60-minute drive. The airline will carry over 4 million passengers on roughly 40 routes each year and will employ, directly and indirectly, around 4,000 people in the region.

GB Airways will continue to operate all routes under the British Airways brand until 29 March. After this, subject to regulatory approval, the GB flights will operate under the easyJet brand and all customers who have booked to travel with GB Airways next summer will be given the choice of flying with easyJet at the same times or else receive a refund. By winter 2008, GB Airways will be fully integrated into the easyJet business model subject to regulatory clearance.

Mike Campbell, easyJet People Director, who advised the staff in Manchester of the news today, commented:

"easyJet recognises the strong demand for low-cost convenient services from the North West, the GB operation at Manchester provides us with a great base on which we can build and tap in to a new market.

"easyJet remains committed to our base at Liverpool John Lennon Airport and by launching additional operations from Manchester, we can make it even easier for everyone in the North West to have access to easyJet services from their local airport, giving consumers the opportunity to explore Europe for less."

- ENDS -

If you are due to travel on a HCCT (Holidays) flight, also know as CT2 Travel;

You can speak to your travel agent about making a claim to the CAA or visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk or contact the CAA on 028 9185 6547.

Do not go to your departure airport as all outbound flights have been cancelled.

Any passengers wishing to rebook their trip, the following airlines offer flights direct to Tenerife from Manchester;

British Airways www.ba.com
Excel Airways www.xl.com
First Choice www.firstchoice.co.uk
Jet2 www.jet2.com
Monarch www.flymonarch.com
MyTravel www.mytravel.com
Thomas Cook http://www.thomascook.com/content/flights/homepage/flights-homepage.asp
Thoms onfly www.thomsonfly.com

Customers currently abroad on holiday

The CAA will be making arrangements to ensure all customers on HCCT flights can fly home as planned.

14/12/06

From December 13th 2006, the collection of passengers from Terminal 3 will be moved into the short stay car park and people will no longer be able to pick up passengers from outside the terminal building.

This follows the success of a similar change to pick-up procedures at Terminal 1 in November of this year and is part of an overall plan by the Airport to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and improve security close to the terminal buildings. There will be no change to passenger drop-off arrangements at Terminal 3.

Charges for parking in the short stay car parks for less than 30 minutes will be reduced by more than 20% from £2.30 to £1.80.

As part of the change, the ground floor of the short stay car park at Terminal 3 will be altered with the creation of a new passenger lobby area, a private hire collection point and additional disabled bays. The redevelopment will also see removal of dividing bollards within the car park making it easier for drivers to find spaces and their way around the area.

When the scheme was introduced in Terminal 1 it dramatically reduced congestion and cut the number of circling cars saving tonnes of unnecessary CO2 emissions. The new restrictions enforce the no-waiting regulations around Terminal 1 and have reduced the number of "go-round" drivers circling the arrivals area while they wait for friends or family. The change at Terminal 1 has reduced congestion and accident risk and saved more than 3000 car journeys a week - that's the equivalent of 47 tonnes of CO2 a year and the same as the pollution created by 15 modern, energy efficient homes.

Manchester Airport is now introducing the scheme to T3 and is optimistic that it will deliver a similar improvement. The new system will be implemented at Terminal 2 in January 2007.

The new procedure enforces the existing road regulations and bylaws of the 'no waiting'; zones outside the three terminals. Only authorised operational vehicles and permit holders will be allowed into the lanes in close proximity to the terminal buildings.

A new team of customer service staff will be on-hand to assist drivers as the procedures are introduced. Signage around the airport will be updated to ensure passengers are clearly directed to where they need to be.

Andy Cliffe, Director of Car Parks at Manchester Airport, said of the latest change: "We are focusing on reducing the congestion around the terminal buildings and improving traffic flow for safety and security reasons as well as delivering a better service to our passengers."

"The changes to Terminal 1 have proved to be extremely successful and have seen the number of unnecessary journeys dramatically reduced. This latest change to the pick-up procedures at Terminal 3 is the next step in the plan to standardise pick-up across the airport and continue to deliver the very best quality of service to our 22 million passengers a year."

14/12/06

ENDS

Manchester Airport is currently fully operational with flights leaving on time.

British Airways has cancelled nine flights from Manchester to Heathrow and flights to Gatwick and Southampton but other airlines are operating flights from Manchester to Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and London City Airport.

Passengers are reminded to check the current security restrictions before they arrive at the airport.

Hand luggage is still restricted to one item per passenger with the exception of musical instruments, which can be carried as an additional item, and liquids of under 100mls are allowed, but must be placed in a small sealable plastic bag which has to be declared to security and screened separately.

For further information about security click here

For information about flights from Manchester to London visit;

www.jet2.com
www.ba.com
www.flyvlm.com
www.flybmi.com
www.airberlin.com

12/12/06

The Airport is preparing to handle more than 150,000 passengers in just three days on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday before Christmas (Dec 22nd, 23rd and 24th). An average of 270 flights will depart from Manchester Airport every day of the three days with the Friday expected to be the biggest day for travel.

The predicated numbers are up by more than 5% on the same pre-Christmas rush period for last year but the most popular destination is still Tenerife as passengers seek out the sun for their Christmas break.

Despite the Christmas rush, Manchester Airport is expecting the vast majority of passengers to clear security within its normal six minutes average wait time.

• 497,855 passengers are expected to depart from Manchester Airport between Friday 22nd and Tuesday 2nd January 2007
• A total of 155,291 people will fly between Friday 22nd and Sunday 24th December
• A typical Friday Saturday and Sunday would see around 135,000 people fly. The Christmas rush is responsible for a 15% increase in traffic.
• Figures are up on last year by 5.2%
• An average of 270 planes will fly out of Manchester every day of the three day Christmas rush

The most popular warm holiday destination for Christmas travellers from Manchester is Tenerife with Alicante and Malaga coming second and third. The most popular long haul destination is a new route to Cape Town and short breaks are dominated by Paris, Rome and Bergen in Norway.

Passengers are being urged to check security restrictions before arriving at the Airport. Despite changes to security restrictions, which allow passengers to take small amounts of liquids in their cabin baggage, many are having liquids confiscated at the security search area including wrapped Christmas gifts because they have not complied with the rules.

Manchester Airport has plans in place to make sure the extra passengers enjoy the best possible airport experience over the holiday period. Check in staff are reminding all passengers of the security changes, Customer Service Advisors will be on hand to help passengers prepare for security screening and every available security screening channel will be open. The Airport will also be operating its highly successful hot-spotting scheme where specially training CSAs will manage the queues to ensure passengers clear security in time to catch their flights.

14/12/06
ENDS

"The report singles out examples of best practice at Manchester Airport, including our targets on reducing emissions and becoming carbon neutral, our commitment to public transport use and our initiatives to support the local community through the 'Community Champions' network."

ENDS

Rotterdam is the world's largest port, and the industrial heart of the Netherlands. Over 1,000 international companies have chosen Rotterdam as the base for their European and worldwide business. More than one million people from 162 countries live in the Rotterdam city region. Rotterdam Airport is Holland's best bet for speed and convenience, and Rotterdam's exceptional rail and road links make it the ideal gateway to the Netherlands.

With the start of the new route, VLM Airlines will increase the choice of direct services it offers from Manchester, following the launch of its non-stop service to Antwerp in October. The carrier also offers an eight-times weekday service to London City, where passengers can make quick and convenient connections to other destinations on the airline's network.

VLM Airlines' decision to start the service follows extensive analysis of the carrier's existing services between Manchester and Rotterdam which connect via its hub at London City Airport, and increasing demand from passengers to travel non-stop between the two cities.

The airline commenced flights from Manchester in 1998, and since that time has seen a growing demand for flights to this major UK regional city. Manchester Airport is home to one of VLM Airlines' largest operations with two of its fleet of Fokker 50 aircraft, and around 40 employees based there.

Johan Vanneste, Managing Director of VLM Airlines, states: "This new route further enhances the choice of services we provide between the Netherlands and the UK, with 25 flights now offered each weekday."

Manchester Airport Director of Aviation Development Tim McDermott adds: "As the UK's leading regional international airport, Manchester Airport serves a massive list of business destinations worldwide. We're proud to see VLM Airlines add that vital Rotterdam link to our list."

14/12/06
ENDS