Cargo surge at Manchester Airport provides North West trade boost

Manchester Airport has seen a spike in exports from the North West business community during the last six months, according to new data.

From April 1 to September 30 (H1 2016), the North’s busiest airport handled 58,372 tonnes of cargo, up 10.5% from the same period last year.

The goods carried during the half-year period were worth £1.6bn, which is £56m more than in H1 2015.

Manchester Airport’s rolling annual total now stands at 109,057 tonnes, which represents a year-on-year increase of 8.7%.

The number of non-EU countries to facilitate trade with the UK’s third-biggest airport stood at 172, with year-on-year growth seen in markets such as Brazil (up 76%), Vietnam (73%), the UAE (19%) and China (15%).

Some of the top commodities to pass through Manchester Airport over the last six months included flowers (growing year-on-year by 240%), edible fruit and nuts (76%), chemicals (67%), pharmaceuticals (24%) and fashion (22%).

Manchester Airport CEO Ken O’Toole said: “It has been a very promising half year for cargo at Manchester Airport, with double digit growth.

“With capacity constraints in London we have the opportunity to help drive the UK’s economic and international trade growth here in Manchester as the region cements its position as the Northern Powerhouse.”

He added: “Aside from pure cargo carriers, as we continue to grow our leisure destination base, we look to secure and increase freight opportunities through belly-hold cargo in these aircraft.”

Transport for the North chief executive David Brown commented: “This is good news. It is clear there is potential for the North to grow its trade with the rest of the world.

“Central to that, will be improved international connectivity. We are working closely with Manchester Airport, and others, to introduce short and long term transport investment measures to do just that.”

He continued: “Our Commission on International Connectivity is due to report its initial findings early in the New Year. A key focus will be how our airports and ports can increase their global reach and benefit from better local connectivity.”