Second airport for Manchester? - Manchester Airport News

Airport news for Manchester on 13/03/2008.

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Manchester may get a second commercial airport if plans from Peel Holdings’ airports division go ahead. The company hopes to create a hub for business aviation in Barton Aerodrome.

Andrew Simpson, Peel’s managing director, said that the proposed airport would not be designed to rival Manchester Airport, but rather, to complement its services. “We are in discussions about making City Airport Manchester a business and general aviation airport,” he said.

He continued: “There has been a massive rise in business travel, with executives using small corporate jets as they are quicker. Manchester Airport is very busy with larger jets and international airlines, and it is not an effective use of its facilities to have small aircraft going through there.”

Peel already owns the land in question, in partnership with Manchester city council. Currently, developments are waiting for more funding. According to Mr Simpson: “We're at an early stage, assessing how to make it happen. It would need new facilities and a new runway.”

“We believe the development of City Airport Manchester is important from a regional point of view. If Manchester is going to be a world class business city it needs to have easily accessible facilities for scheduled airlines and also for smaller jets,” he concluded.

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