East-West transport investment key to unlocking Northern growth, says airport boss

Strengthening transport links is key to unlocking growth in the North, according to Manchester Airports Group’s corporate affairs director.

Speaking at the UK Northern Powerhouse International Conference and Exhibition, Tim Hawkins said better East-West connectivity is vital for driving the region’s economy and that “it is time to get that investment underway”.

Mr Hawkins also explained during the session on transport and infrastructure how improved connectivity would deliver a bigger catchment area for Manchester Airport and help in attracting more long-haul services.

The government, he said, needs to consider what the airport’s role could be within its Brexit and Industrial Strategy visions.

He added: “There needs to be a strategic view about connectivity and how that can be provided.”

Graeme Mason, Newcastle Airport’s planning and corporate affairs director, stressed the important role that Newcastle Airport will play in driving economic growth in the North and attracting inward investment to the North East, telling delegates: “It is important to be able to have direct flights into the North East. The North East needs its own gateway airport.”

Andy Brown, operations director of construction services giant Carillion’s civil engineering arm, commented: “If the Northern Powerhouse is going to meet its potential the transport infrastructure connecting northern cities is key.

“Few would doubt that current transport links between the northern cities and particularly trans-Pennine are not good.”

Transport for the North chief exec David Brown, meanwhile, said the organisation has made progress in its mission to become a statutory body, giving both itself and the region’s transport stakeholders a stronger voice.

He said a “cohesive argument” for investment is being made and that there is “real momentum” in the creation of a clear programme of upcoming transport projects and priorities agreed all over the North.

Mr Brown added: “The priority is better rail links west to east, improved journey times and capacity.”

Delegates were also told of the need to “dramatically improve” links between Manchester and the Sheffield City Region.