For the first time since 2008, the UK’s third busiest gateway, Manchester Airport (MAN), has notched up 21m passengers for the 12-month period from 27 May 2013. In the 2013 calendar year the airport processed 20.75m.

 

The global gateway to the North of England now has a range of international destinations that includes Singapore, Las Vegas, Washington DC, New York, Paris and Moscow, with new destinations for 2014 including Charlotte in North Carolina, Vienna and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.

 

The 21 millionth passenger was Singapore Airlines’ customer Dr Rachel Brown from Warrington, who received a wealth of prizes when she arrived for her flight to Asia this morning. She was treated to rewards including an upgrade to business class, 21,000 bonus KrisFlyer miles, Escape Lounge access and a crew-led aircraft tour.

 

Singapore Airlines is the longest serving international long-haul carrier at MAN having been continuously flying from there since April 1986.

 

Passenger numbers have been increasing at MAN over recent years and new routes this year bode well. Ken O’Toole (left), Chief Commercial Officer of Manchester Airports Group (MAG), comments: “We continue to grow thanks to the strength of our catchment, the support of our airline partners and the continued hard work and dedication of all MAG colleagues. With more than 65 airlines and 200 routes from Manchester there is huge choice for passengers.”

 

During the busy summer season, starting now, MAN expects to process more than 9.3m passengers. MAN is operated by Manchester Airport Group whose other airports include London Stansted, East Midlands and Bournemouth which together handle 43m passengers.