Emirates on track for record year at Manchester Airport

Emirates’ presence at Manchester has grown significantly since its first full year of operation[1] , during which it carried just 17,000 passengers from the region. It has since carried over nine million people to the UAE and beyond, with popular destinations including Bangkok, Perth, Singapore and Mumbai. 

Testament to the demand from across the North West, as well as Emirates’ ongoing commitment to the region, the airline announced that a third daily A380 service will be added to the route from 1st January 2017, replacing the existing Boeing 777-300ER, and adding a further 11% capacity. 

Emirates SkyCargo continues to go from strength to strength in the region. In contrast to the 450 tonnes carried in 1990, over 22,000 tonnes of cargo is now carried on average from Manchester Airport each year. Automotive, healthcare products and foodstuffs represent the primary cargo transported, with key eastern export destinations for Mancunian businesses including Dubai, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Johannesburg – highlighting the significance of these markets to the local economy.

Laurie Berryman, Emirates vice president, UK, said: “Manchester was the second route launched in the UK and it remains just as important to our operations today as it was 25 years ago. Since 1990, Manchester has grown from a small regional airport to a vital gateway for the North of the country, and the demand we’re seeing for both travel and exports to Dubai and beyond has never been stronger.

“To hit the symbolic milestone of one million passengers will be hugely significant for us, and will only strengthen our commitment and contribution to the region. We are the only airline to employ the iconic A380 outside of London, and the launch of the third daily service will allow us to offer even more of our Manchester passengers the exceptional level of service they have come to expect from us.

Stephen Turner, Manchester Airport Group’s Commercial Director, added: “We’re incredibly proud of our relationship with Emirates and how the airline has flourished here over the last 25 years. 

“The A380 has proved hugely popular with passengers and spotters alike since it started flying into the airport in 2010.  The third daily A380 now puts Manchester on a par with London, Paris and Barcelona as some of the only European destinations to have an all A380 service.

“We’re looking forward to Emirates continuing to grow and celebrating many more milestones at Manchester Airport in the years to come.”