Manchester airport, the largest British owned airport group has a special place in UK transport sector. The airport majority owned by the 10 Manchester authorities has several objectives. First, is to achieve favourable returns to aid in delivery of service to residents. Second, is to give support to the economic growth and development of Manchester. An interim dividend communicated in December last year, earned Manchester council £20 million. This is the clearest indication that their objectives are being met.
Once the airport has increased its flight numbers, more passengers’ would trickle in which in turn would only mean one thing, more revenue and more jobs. Manchester airport will create jobs both directly and indirectly to its residents. There has also been an increase in both long haul flights and also short haul services.
Over time the council has changed how the Manchester airport is run. It has moved from being managed as a department in the council to a robust executive, over-sighted by an able board led by an independent chairperson and board members knowledgeable on the various niche areas of aviation.
Expansion of the group led to the buyout of Stansted airport. Through expert management and stewardship from the executive board, Stansted airport has recovered from years of decline and is now growing year by year, faster than Manchester airport. Expansion has made the business more competitive and efficient leading to higher returns to the greater Manchester council in the form of dividends.
Manchester airport is the preferred transport avenue of choice to London instead of using the long drive north. Plans are being put in place to ensure the airport has adequate transport links from the north and midlands. Manchester airport is now in a position to turn the economic tides for Manchester.