February has seen 1.5million people fly from Manchester Airport, leading the annual total of passengers to rise to over 23million.
The airport, which is now offering more long haul flights than ever before, also saw an 8% rise in the amount of cargo carried in February.
The figure is an 11% increase on last February’s passenger count, with 1,000 additional flights leaving the airport.
Long haul destinations – that aren’t available from any other UK airport outside of London – now include Miami, Boston, Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore, Los Angeles, Jeddah and Atlanta.
The increase comes as £1billion upgrades to the airport were announced last month.
Airport officials hope the investment will bring in new business from China and contribute to the Northern Powerhouse initiative.
The plans include an 82,395m sq upward extension to the current Terminal Two building, a new seven-storey car park and a new elevated road.
Ken O’Toole, Manchester Airport’s Managing Director, said: “It is pleasing to see so many passengers choosing to ‘Fly Manchester’ in February and the growth is testament to continued hard work of our aviation and strength of our catchment area.
“With over 23million passengers coming from as far north as Scotland, and as south as the Midlands, Manchester Airport has the demand and capacity to offer passengers a wealth of destinations and options to suit every traveller.”
Image courtesy of Manchester Airport Group, via YouTube, with thanks.
