Work starts on £1bn airport transformation
WORK WILL ENSURE MANCHESTER REMAINS KEY GLOBAL HUB
THE Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, visited Manchester Airport to see work begin on its 10 year, £1bn transformation programme.
The project, the largest private investment in the region, will reinforce Manchester Airport’s standing as the UK’s global hub in the north of England, enabling better and more international connections.
The visit coincided with the launch of the Government’s Aviation Strategy consultation, which will seek to set out a vision for UK aviation over the next three decades.
It includes proposals for how best use can be made of existing runway capacity at airports such as Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands.
The Manchester Airport Transformation Programme (MAN-TP) will provide millions of passengers and airlines with facilities that combine state-of-the-art services with excellent customer service.
Manchester Airports Group (MAG), owner of Manchester Airport, estimates that MAN-TP will create more than 1,500 jobs in the construction phase alone, nearly 200 of which will be apprentices.
Manchester Airport already plays a key role in the Northern Powerhouse, generating £5bn every year in economic activity in the local and regional economy, employing 20,000 people on site and supporting a further 25,000 jobs indirectly.
Charlie Cornish, CEO of MAG, said: “The visit marks a significant moment in the history of Manchester Airport and demonstrates the confidence that we have in the long-term future of both the North and the UK economy. “This is the largest private investment that has been made in the region for some time and the increased connectivity that it will deliver will enable it to become one of the most accessible and productive regions in Europe.” Mr Grayling said: “Aviation is central to our future prosperity as we leave the European Union. “As a global, trading nation we want to build on the great industry we have today and create opportunities for people up and down the country. “Our new aviation strategy will look beyond the new runway at Heathrow and sets out a comprehensive long-term plan for UK aviation.”
Aviation is central to our future prosperity as we leave the European Union Chris Grayling, Transport Secretary