MANCHESTER, UK- Thousands of passengers departing from Manchester Airport (MAN)’s Terminal Two this weekend will be greeted with a vibrant red, white, and blue light display.
The airport is embracing the patriotic spirit as they prepare to fly to the United States (US) ahead of Independence Day on Tuesday.
This gesture aims to honor the strong bond between the North West of England and its American-born residents, who often journey across the Atlantic to celebrate the Fourth of July with loved ones.
Manchester Airport Prepares for 4th July Celebrations in the US
Direct flights from Manchester Airport serve popular US destinations such as New York, Houston, Orlando, and Atlanta, attracting over 100,000 travelers each month.
The region’s sizable American population is estimated to be around 20,000 residents. Further, it is expected to contribute significantly to this surge in air travel. Terminal Two’s iconic honeycomb lights will illuminate in the Stars and Stripes colors to mark the occasion.
At the same time, the giant Media Wall screen will display a warm “Happy Fourth of July” message.
Independence Day, a national holiday in the United States, is widely celebrated with family barbecues and dazzling fireworks displays. It commemorates the historic signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776.
Executive Insights
Chris Woodroofe, the Managing Director of Manchester Airport, expressed his good wishes to the passengers traveling to the US.
He stated, “I’d like to wish a very happy Fourth of July to everyone who is traveling out to the US from Manchester to join the Independence Day celebrations.”
Emphasizing the airport’s pivotal role as the North’s global gateway, Woodroofe acknowledged the economic significance of the transatlantic connections.
He highlighted the positive recovery in travel demand by mentioning Virgin Atlantic’s recent announcement of the return of direct flights to Las Vegas from next summer. Subsequently underscoring the airport’s commitment to expanding its transatlantic route network in the future.
Currently, Manchester Airport offers direct flights to four US cities, with a fifth destination set to join soon:
- New York City: Served by Aer Lingus and Virgin Atlantic, both flying into John F. Kennedy Airport.
- Orlando: Served year-round by Aer Lingus and Virgin Atlantic, with a seasonal summer service provided by TUI to Melbourne Orlando International Airport.
- Houston: Served by Singapore Airlines.
- Atlanta: Served by Virgin Atlantic, offering passengers access to over 150 US airports with a single transfer.
- Las Vegas: Virgin Atlantic announced the resumption of flights starting from June 2, 2024, with ticket sales commencing in July 2023.
Among these destinations, Orlando remains the top choice for travelers from Manchester. Subsequently, attracting over 180,000 visitors between April and June this year.
The city’s reputation as a family entertainment hub, boasting numerous theme parks, accounts for its popularity.
The bustling metropolis of New York City is closely behind, which welcomed over 120,000 visitors during the same period.
Strong ties between Manchester and US
Before the pandemic, Manchester Airport held the distinction of having the third-largest transatlantic network among UK airports and the 12th-largest in Europe. This robust connectivity significantly benefited the regional and national economies.
According to the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, the United States is both Greater Manchester’s largest export destination and its largest source of imports.
In 2021, the city region alone saw combined exports and imports worth £2.5 billion. Further contributing to the impressive national figure of over £86 billion.
The North West of England experienced a remarkable 32% increase in US visitors. This was during the three years before the pandemic (2016-2019). Subsequently outpacing the national growth rate of 14% for the UK.
As of 2019, the US stood as the second-largest inbound visitor market for the North West, surpassed only by the Republic of Ireland.
These statistics highlight the enduring appeal and strong economic ties between the North West of England and the United States.
As Manchester Airport continues to facilitate seamless travel between the two regions, it solidifies its position as a vital link for transatlantic journeys. Further fostering growth and prosperity for all parties involved.
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