Manchester Airport Parking

M.A.G SUCCESSFUL IN BID FOR STANSTED AIRPORT

London, 18 January, 2013

M.A.G today announces that it has been successful in its bid to acquire Stansted Airport and welcomes Industry Funds Management (IFM) as a strategic investor in M.A.G as part of the transaction.

M.A.G will pay a consideration of £1.5bn to acquire Stansted after a transparent and highly competitive process. This represents an acquisition multiple of 15.6x 2012 EBITDA which compares favourably with similar airport transactions in the UK and reflects Stansted's significant growth potential. The transaction is expected to reach financial completion by the end of February.

As part of the transaction, Industry Funds Management (IFM) will become an investor in M.A.G investing significant new equity and taking a 35.5% interest in the enlarged group, after having worked in close partnership with M.A.G through the acquisition process of Stansted Airport.

M.A.G has a detailed integration plan in place to ensure a seamless transition of ownership and operations at Stansted which will maintain business as usual for passengers and customers. The combined group that this acquisition creates will generate significant benefits for all stakeholders.

M.A.G has a proven track record in successful airport management as the owner and operator of Manchester, East Midlands and Bournemouth airports. In the twelve months ending 31 March 2012, M.A.G's passenger numbers rose by 6.7%, revenues increased by 8.6% and underlying operating profit was up by 26%.

IFM has investments in nine airports across Australia, including five major state capital city airports. In the UK, IFM already has significant investments in Anglian Water, the fourth largest water and sewerage company in England and Wales, and Arqiva Limited, the UK's largest broadcast and wireless communications infrastructure company.

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, M.A.G's current majority shareholder said:

"M.A.G is a key driver of jobs and growth in the North of England and the acquisition of Stansted will help us deliver maximum value for Manchester City Council and the other local authority shareholders."

Charlie Cornish, Chief Executive of M.A.G commented:

"We are delighted to be successful in our bid for Stansted Airport, the London airport for Europe. The transaction represents a significant milestone in the achievement of our previously stated strategy of adding a quality airport to the group and delivering long term value to our shareholders.

"M.A.G has a strong track record of creating shareholder value through strategic investment and enhancing operations to improve customer service and drive increased passenger numbers. We will use that expertise at Stansted to ensure that the airport can fulfil its potential as a high quality alternative London access point for global air travellers. Stansted has scope to benefit from significant volume growth over the short, medium and long term.

"Our bid for Stansted has been under development for well over a year. We have been delighted to work closely with IFM to create a compelling and unique partnership that has been instrumental in providing the capital for this important transaction which sees one of Europe's largest airport operators now based in Manchester. Today's announcement is excellent news for M.A.G and our shareholders; it marks the start of a new chapter for the Group."

Christian Seymour, Head of Infrastructure, Europe, at IFM commented:

"We are delighted by today's announcement which will see IFM become a strategic investor in M.A.G. It is the culmination of 18 months' work developing a strong, long term partnership with M.A.G, and is an important part of our focused strategy of investing in core, high-quality infrastructure assets. IFM is a highly experienced investor in airports, having invested in these assets since 1997."

Lord Peter Smith, chair of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities, said:

"This represents a good deal for the local authority shareholders which will give Manchester Airport Group a stake in the important South East air traffic market and strengthen M.A.G by enabling it to capture synergies with airline operations at both Manchester and Stansted, expanding the network of services and encouraging growth."

J.P. Morgan Cazenove acted as financial adviser and RBS as debt adviser to MAG. Gleacher Shacklock LLP acted as financial adviser to IFM.

ENDS

Notes to editors

The funds for the acquisition come from new equity raised from IFM, together with investment grade financing. All the existing shareholders' equity has been maintained in the Group.

M.A.G

M.A.G is the largest UK-owned airport operator, serving 24 million passengers and handling almost half a million tonnes of air freight every year, through its ownership and operation of Manchester, East Midlands and Bournemouth airports. Its property and facilities management arm, M.A.G Developments, is responsible for the Group's estate and also the development of Manchester Airport City.

M.A.G's overall strategic intent is to increase long term shareholder value by generating profitable growth, developing its assets and deploying efficient and customer focused operating processes throughout the business.

More than just a regional success story, the Group's three airports and property business already contribute more than £3bn to the UK economy and support over 86,000 jobs. M.A.G is owned by the ten local authorities of Greater Manchester.

IFM

IFM is a global investment manager with investors and offices in three of the largest pension markets in the world. Headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, with offices in Sydney, London and New York, IFM manages over £24 billion across four asset classes - infrastructure, debt investments, private equity, and listed equity portfolios.

IFM invests on behalf of institutional investors and is owned by 30 major not-for-profit Australian superannuation funds. IFM is actively committed to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI) and has been a signatory since 2008.

IFM is a highly experienced, long-term investor in airports. It has held investments in airport assets since 1997. Through its Australian Infrastructure Fund, IFM currently has significant interests in nine airports across Australia, including five major capital city airports. In 2011, IFM owned airports facilitated the flow of over 72 million domestic and international passengers.

As at 30 September 2012, IFM's airport investments exceeded A$1.8 billion in equity value.

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Manchester Airport expecting festive getaway rush of 620,000 travellers

20th December 2012

Around 620,000 passengers are set to travel through Manchester Airport over the Christmas and New Year holiday period - an increase of 4.5% or 27,000 on the same period last year (593,000).

The busiest day of the 'Getaway' period - which runs from Friday 21st December, 2012 to Friday 4th January, 2013 - is set to be Friday 21st, when more than 50,000 passengers travel through the airport (c. 30,000 departing) coinciding with the end of the school term for Christmas.

The most popular destinations include Palma, Tenerife, Florida, Dubai and Alicante, with cheap package holidays tempting travellers to seek out sunshine. Long Haul routes such as New York, Washington, Chicago and Abu Dhabi also feature strongly; whilst City Breaks nearer to home are also popular, with Antwerp, Dublin, Warsaw, Munich, Gothenburg, Dubrovnik and Reykjavik among the favourites.

Andrew Harrison, Chief Operating Officer of Manchester Airport's parent company, M.A.G, said: "We are preparing for another busy Christmas and New Year period as thousands of people take to the skies, be it for sunnier climes, returning home, mini breaks, or long haul trips to North America, the Middle East or to connect to places like Australia and the Far East.

"We've experienced good growth in passenger numbers throughout 2012 with airlines adding a variety of new services and increased options on existing routes. Rounding the year off with a busy festive period underlines the strength and range of what is on offer to people who prefer to fly direct from the North of England - and provides an optimistic outlook into 2013."

Manchester Airport Christmas travel advice

At this time of the year passengers often travel with Christmas presents in their luggage - any gifts carried in hand luggage must comply with the Department for Transport (DfT) Liquids, Creams and Gels Policy: if any item has a container size bigger than 100ml, it cannot be carried in hand luggage. Items under-100ml are permitted in hand luggage, but must be carried in a clear re-sealable plastic bag no greater than 1 litre capacity (and 1 bag per passenger). To avoid unwrapping any presents at airport security, it is recommended to place these items in checked-in hold luggage instead. Otherwise, gift-wrapped items carried in hand baggage could be subject to opening for closer inspection as part of the security checks.

At this busy - and cold - time of the year, passengers are also reminded they can help save time at airport security by removing winter items of clothing such as coats, hats, gloves and scarves, as well as belts and shoes, before they arrive at the security check-point. For further details, see: www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/content/travelmadeeasy

-ENDS-

For more information, contact the Manchester Airport press office on 0161 489 2700 or press.office@manairport.co.uk

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Tender process launched for international development and funding partners for Airport City

18th December 2012

Expressions of interest from international development and investment partners are being sought by M.A.G for its £650 million Airport City scheme, the first of its kind in the UK.

M.A.G has appointed the leading global property advisor, CBRE, to manage the tender process on its behalf - and developers and investors are now able to register their interest in the project by contacting Colin Thomasson at CBRE. The registration process will run until 21 January 2013.

Further information information on the development and tender process is available here: www.airportcity.co.uk/investment

Airport City is the core element of the Government designated Enterprise Zone surrounding the UK's third busiest airport, Manchester. It aims to compete with existing airport city and 'aerotropolis' projects outside the UK, including Barcelona and Amsterdam.

In order to realise the scale of the ambition, M.A.G is seeking a Joint Venture Co-Investment and Development Partner (s) for Airport City, with expertise and experience of international business space delivery, alongside access to international occupiers and large-scale financing capabilities - potentially for the entire scheme - alongside M.A.G's land ownership and expertise in airport developments.

John Atkins, M.A.G's Airport City Director, said: "As recognised by the UK Government in its Enterprise Zone designation, Airport City is a unique commercial product for the UK that will meet demand that currently exists for a high-quality, sustainable and well-connected environment with access to the global marketplace.

"With Manchester Airport's international connectivity and passenger growth prospects, Airport City is the prime investment opportunity in one of the best cities with the strongest investment potential in the UK. Driven by Manchester's academic, scientific, and digital credentials, Airport City will compete with similar schemes at Barcelona, Frankfurt and Amsterdam; with the aim of attracting international occupiers that would not previously have located in the region, or even the UK."

Colin Thomasson, Senior Director, CBRE, said: "Airport City is a compelling opportunity for developers and investors. Manchester is becoming an important hub for international investment and the airport itself is flourishing on the back of this and the fact that airport capacity in the south east of the UK is severely constrained. We believe that Airport City will become the most significant development project in the UK since the regeneration of East London began in 2005 for the Olympics.

"Underscoring its potential, Manchester already has close ties with China and the Middle East and we are confident that this opportunity will attract a number of high calibre global development and investment partners. Due to the size and complexity of the project we are seeking partners with previous experience in delivering similar large scale development projects."

Airport City already has significant backing as it is the focal point for Manchester's wider Enterprise Zone and benefits from financial incentives and reduced planning restrictions to support growth. Infrastructure is already in place following recent major investments, providing excellent multi-modal transport connectivity, including a major mainline rail station and public transport interchange - with a workforce of 5.2 million within a one hour commute. The site has several direct access points to the UK motorway network placing a consumer market of 25 million and 60% of all UK businesses within two hours drive time. A new £300 million Enterprise Zone tramline is also under construction.

Due to its growth potential and strategic position within the UK, Manchester and its airport already has significant links to other global hubs. With the third largest Chinese community in Europe, Manchester is in the unique position of already having a very strong relationship with what is Asia's largest economy and the second largest in the world. Manchester Airport is the sister airport of Beijing Capital International Airport - the second largest in the world - and the most important aviation hub in China, handling 74 million passengers, providing a gateway to hundreds of other destinations in the Far East. Last year, more than £4 billion of business was struck between China and the North West of England.

Manchester is known throughout the world for its football teams, with more than 70 million Manchester United supporters thought to live in China alone. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a member of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi in the UAE, recently made a £1 billion investment into Manchester City Football Club. Etihad Airways, a flag carrier of the UAE, has its European Contact Centre in Manchester; and has sponsored Manchester City FC since 2009.

Manchester Airport is the UK's third busiest carrying around 20 million passengers annually, with flights to more than 200 global destinations Over 6.5 million people (8% of the UK population) live in Manchester and the North West area, accounting for 11% of UK GDP. Football helps to contribute to tourism revenues, adding c.£10 billion to the region's economy and attracting 29 million visitors per year.

-ENDS-

For more information contact the M.A.G press office on 0161 489 2700 or email press.office@manairport.co.uk

About the tender
CBRE, the leading global property advisor, has been appointed to manage the tender process on behalf of M.A.G - and developers and investors are now able to register their interest in the project by contacting Colin Thomasson at CBRE via www.airportcity.co.uk/investment. The registration process runs until 21 January 2013.

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11,400 jobs set for take-off as £650m plans submitted for UK's first 'Airport City' at Manchester Enterprise Zone

11th December 2012

Manchester Airport's parent company M.A.G has submitted plans for the £650 million development of a major new commercial location - including offices, hotels, manufacturing centres, retail outlets and leisure facilities - to attract global businesses to the North West, creating 11,400 jobs.

Airport City Manchester is the core element of the Government designated Enterprise Zone surrounding the UK's third busiest airport. It aims to compete with existing airport city and 'aerotropolis' projects outside the UK, such as at Munich, Barcelona and Amsterdam; which are attractive to multi-national companies that require business space in a location that gives them highly accessible to a both major city and the global marketplace

The outline planning application is for the comprehensive, phased redevelopment of a 65 acre area of land to the north of Manchester Airport's terminals and railway station. Currently a mix of scrubland and temporary airport car parking, the site is bordered by the M56 spur road and Woodhouse Park area of Wythenshawe. The proposals comprise:

- 1.2 million square feet of offices
- 530,000 square feet of advanced manufacturing space
- Around 1,300 new hotel beds
- 62,000 square feet of ancillary retail
- Extensive new public realm and open-space, including a new 13 acre central park area
- New multi storey car parking spaces and cycle spaces
- A wide landscaped 'green bridge' over the M56 spur road to provide pedestrian access and a new iconic gateway

The site will be one of the most accessible in the region. Motorway access is via J5 of the M56 and a new landscaped 'green bridge' will bring the Airport's terminals and public transport interchange within walking distance. The Airport Station offers train, coach and bus services across the North and a 14.5km Metrolink extension is under construction and will link Airport City to Greater Manchester's successful tram network by 2016. The Airport also provides international air connections to over 200 destinations worldwide. These transport locations make the site uniquely placed to attract global businesses and companies who need to move people and goods across the world.

The project aims to attract inward investment and provide new employment opportunities for Wythenshawe residents. Employment, education and training programmes are underway to maximise the use of local labour and supply chains. Jobs during the construction phases will be in addition to 11,400 new jobs, ranging from higher-level/skilled occupations to intermediate/entry level roles. Initiatives such as the successful Airport Academy and M.A.G's sponsorship of nearby Manchester Enterprise Academy - where it feeds into the curriculum to equip people with the required skills to access jobs at the Airport - will also be extended to Airport City.

M.A.G's Airport City Director, John Atkins, said: "Airport City will attract investment from international businesses and become a catalyst for the wider long term regeneration of Wythenshawe, with the creation of thousands of new jobs. It brings a world-class commercial product that is sustainable and innovative to the UK for the first time - this presents Manchester with a unique opportunity add to its offer as a major European business city and will enhance the airport's reputation as an economic hub and a global gateway to the UK.

"The aim is to create a modern business destination that makes full use of infrastructure already in place and the majority of workers and visitors will not drive to Airport City - instead they will walk, cycle, take a tram, bus, train or a plane. We have been working on this project for six years, examining airport cities across the world and how Manchester can successfully apply the concept. The planning submission demonstrates the progress we have made in the past 12 months and is a major step forward towards starting work on site."

The centrepiece of the proposed development is a new 13 acre central park, surrounded by a 'downtown' district of distinctive contemporary new buildings and high quality public areas. New retail and amenities will occupy the ground floor level of key buildings to create a 'high street', including: shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, crches, health and medical centres, dry cleaners, gym and leisure facilities. The supporting amenities will enable the development to be self-sustaining, generating footfall and will benefit residents in the surrounding areas.

New community facilities are also planned to help promote the use of the area during evenings and weekends - this could include outdoor space for music, performances or small markets. A range of hotels will be spread across the site to further promote 24 hour activity and will include new conference, event and catering space. Airport City will also have prioritised super-fast broadband connectivity, a benefit of the Government Enterprise Zone designation. Information centres, a bicycle hub and public art work will also feature.

A natural habitat corridor, linking the central park area and other off-site green spaces including Painswick Park, will also be formed by rerouting small streams that run through the site and existing trees where possible will be retained and bolstered with new native planting to encourage wildlife. A landscaped buffer zone will be created along the southern edge of the residential area of Woodhouse Park. The proposal does not require the acquisition or demolition of any properties.

The outline planning application for the 'North' Airport City area was submitted to Manchester City Council and follows extensive pre-application public consultations in the local area by M.A.G. Members of the public can view the application on the Council website.

Last month M.A.G received outline planning approval for the £100 million World Logistics Hub development, next to junction six of the M56 and the existing airport freight area. The 'South' Airport City area of the Enterprise Zone, it will provide 1.4 million square feet of logistics space and 36.6 acres of new landscaping and natural habits - with the creation of 1,800 jobs.

-ENDS-
For more information - or to request hi-res CGI images - please contact the M.A.G press office on +44 (0)161 489 2705 or press.office@manairport.co.uk

Notes to editor:

- Manchester Airport is the only major UK airport other than London Heathrow with two full-length runways. It serves 20 million passengers annually to around 200 destinations, with spare capacity to further establish its role as the direct long-haul gateway for the North.

- M.A.G (Manchester Airports Group) is the largest UK-owned airport operator, serving 24 million passengers and handling almost half a million tonnes of air freight every year through its ownership and operation of Manchester, East Midlands and Bournemouth airports. M.A.G's three airports and property business contribute more than £3bn to the UK economy and support over 86,000 jobs.

- Manchester-based 5plus Architects worked on the plans along with Drivers Jonas Deloitte and Jones Lang LaSalle, Urban Strategies Inc. Altrincham-based Planit are designing landscape and public realm areas, while AECOM and Davis Langdon are advising on transportation, energy, utilities, sustainability and cost consultancy. Global property advisor, CBRE, is also assisting M.A.G in the procurement of a delivery partner for the project.

- In February 2012, Abu Dhabi-based airline, Etihad Airways, opened its European Contact Centre at Manchester Airport, selecting M.A.G Property's Grade-A office development, Voyager. It was selected ahead of seven competing European cities, including Brussels and Dublin. Other businesses already located within close proximity of the Airport City development site, include the global headquarters of PZ Cussons; Swedish investment bank, Handelsbanken; and a new bio-medical headquarters for Waters Corporation.

- Airport City will create a total around five million square feet of new business space over the next ten to 15 years - including World Logistics Hub and other sites within the Airport's operational area. Further information is also available at: www.airportcity.co.uk

- The wider Manchester Airport City Enterprise Zone totals 116 hectares, anchored by Manchester Airport and University Hospital South Manchester (UHSM). In addition to M.A.G's Airport City projects, is also include proposals for a MediPark at UHSM, Wythenshawe town centre and a series of smaller, surrounding, opportunity sites - all linked by the new Metrolink extension. In total it will create up to 20,000 new jobs over the next 15 years.

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Planning approval for £100 million World Logistics Hub at Manchester's Airport City Enterprise Zone

23rd November 2012

An outline planning application for the development of a £100 million World Logistics Hub at Manchester's Airport City Enterprise Zone has been approved.

Creating up to 1.4 million square feet (sqft) of new logistics space the development will generate more than 1,800 new jobs for local people over the next ten years - in addition to jobs created during the construction process.

The site is within Manchester Airport's operational area and is located next to Junction 6 of the M56 motorway, close to the existing airport freight area. The application site totals 91.2 acres, of which around a third - 36.6 acres - is dedicated to new landscaping and natural habitats.

The outline planning application was submitted by M.A.G, the parent company of Manchester Airport, in August 2012 following extensive public consultations.

The application was approved at the Planning and Highways Committee meeting of the local authority, Manchester City Council, held on 22nd November 2012.

M.A.G's Airport City Director, John Atkins, said: "World Logistics Hub will attract new international businesses and help existing airport businesses to expand, generating much-needed economic growth and over 1,800 new jobs. The development will create a sustainable commercial product of international significance, providing high quality logistics facilities linked to the existing airport freight area, with access to the global marketplace - along with 60% of all UK businesses and a consumer market of over 24 million within a two-hour drive time.

"We already have significant international interest in the scheme and today's planning approval is a big step forward towards starting to deliver new employment opportunities for local people."

The development will include a mix of medium- and small-sized logistics units ranging from approximately 7,500 to 200,000 square feet in size, designed and constructed to the highest possible BREEAM and LEED environmental standards.

Primary access to World Logistics Hub will be via and improved A538 Wilmslow Road, with junction upgrades made at Sunbank Lane. It will also benefit from the existing plans to improve Runger Lane, plus improvements to Junction 6 and the M56 itself.

The introduction of 36.6 acres of new landscape features and natural habitats, such as woodland and hedgerows, will link with the Airport's existing landscape and habitat management area that includes public nature trails already enjoyed by walkers and many local people - extending the area to some 1,112 acres in total.

World Logistics Hub will combine with the Airport's existing cargo facilities at the adjacent World Freight Terminal to create a world-class logistics district, providing a full range of air-to-road transfer, assembly and processing activities for freight forwarders and other logistics business; with easy access to the Airport's apron, train station and the UK motorway network.

The existing World Freight Terminal is home to five industry-leading cargo handling companies and around 50 freight forwarding and logistics providers, as well as airline offices, sales agents and EU approved Border Inspection Post facilities - with more than 1,000 people employed on site.

World Logistics Hub will improve international trade, cut transit times and drive more efficient, sustainable supply chains. It could also potentially help to boost new future export opportunities for Greater Manchester - such as those potentially arising from the commercialisation of wonder-material Graphene and the initiative to revive Britain's textile trade in Manchester with a re-born Cottonopolis.

Manchester's £650 million Airport City scheme, including World Logistics Hub, is the focal point of Greater Manchester's Enterprise Zone, designated by the Government in 2011 in recognition of its potential to attract investment, create jobs and boost the economy locally, regionally and nationally. Airport City Manchester will deliver up to five million square feet of new business space over the next ten to 15 years and aims to create a highly-connected commercial location that is unique to the UK and attractive to international businesses, to compete with similar airport city projects in places like Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dusseldorf and Copenhagen.

Greater Manchester's wider 116-hectare Enterprise Zone - which also includes MediPark at University Hospital South Manchester, Wythenshawe town centre and a series of smaller, surrounding, opportunity sites - will create up to 20,000 new jobs over the next 15-years. A new Metrolink extension through South Manchester to Airport City via Wythenshawe is currently under-construction; and alongside the Airport's existing public transport links will ensure that jobs created at the World Logistics Hub and across the wider Enterprise Zone are highly accessible.

-ENDS-

For more information contact the MAG press office on +44 (0)161 489 2705 or press.office@manairport.co.uk

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New analysis reveals thousands of jobs in the North West rely on aviation

21.11.12

Government figures show how the North West depends on good air links.

As the economy struggles to recover, the importance of air links to businesses in the North West has been made clear today, with figures available for all 39 local authorities1.

The analysis showed that in the North West:

- Goods worth £7.3bn were exported by air last year.

- 323,600 people work in tourism, a sector heavily reliant on air travel and international visitors.

- 375,866 people are employed by foreign-owned companies dependent on good air links for location and trade.

The analysis was carried out by the Aviation Foundation using Government statistics focusing on tourism, inward investment and exports. The aviation industry directly employs 220,000 people nationally but it is the thousands of businesses, from factories to B&Bs, which depend on the services provided by this workforce.

The Aviation Foundation has launched the Great British Flying Test campaign2 to highlight to politicians and communities the importance of aviation to the local economy. The campaign includes a film made in the town furthest away from a major international airport, showing how even here a striking number of local people rely on aviation.

CEOs of major airlines and airports represented by the Aviation Foundation backed the campaign. Willie Walsh of International Airlines Group, owner of British Airways, Colin Matthews of Heathrow, Charlie Cornish of M.A.G, owner of Manchester Airport and Steve Ridgway of Virgin Atlantic came together to say:

"Local businesses across the North West and the UK desperately need world-class air links. Britain has been a proud pioneer in aviation but we are in danger of taking this for granted and falling behind our better-connected competitors.

"We want to see a greater number of politicians championing aviation. Our Great British Flying Test campaign will be showing them how many of their constituents' jobs depend on aviation and we look forward to discussing the results with them in the run-up to the next election."

Watch the film at www.greatbritishflyingtest.co.uk

- ENDS -

For further information:

Robert Gray, Executive Director, Aviation Foundation
robert-gray@aviation-foundation.org

or call the Manchester Airport press office on 0161 489 2700 or email press.office@manairport.co.uk

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First prom charity fashion show promises supersonic sparkle

3.10.12

Teenagers from local schools and young cancer survivors will be strutting their stuff under the wings of Concorde at the first spectacular charity prom themed fashion show, 'Runway on the Runway'.

The event at Manchester Airport's Concorde Visitor Centre, taking place 21st March 2013, is the brain child of Cheshire mum of four, Margo Cornish who was inspired by a combination of her own daughters' enthusiasm for attending prom and her work as a volunteer for the charity Make-A-Wish Foundation UK working with teenage cancer patients.

Since the concept was created Margo has enlisted the support of big name stores, global fashion brands as well as top shoe, hair and make-up brands and local firms to stage the event free of any costs meaning every penny raised will go directly to the charities, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Teenage Cancer Trust and Medcare, the airports own charity.

"As a mother of healthy, vibrant teenagers I find it especially poignant meeting teenagers with cancer which is why I wanted to raise money and awareness of the issues they face by creating an event they could relate to," explained Margo, producer of Runway on the Runway.

With prom as the theme, the event aims to grab the imagination of every teenage girl in Greater Manchester providing an ideal opportunity to raise awareness about the difficulties facing some of their peers who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Lucie Carrington, a former patient at the Teenage Cancer Trust's unit at the Christie was diagnosed at 15 years old with Ewing's sarcoma which is a rare bone and soft tissue cancer affecting her left arm. Lucie, now 23 years old and in full remission, is a healthy young woman actively involved in the Teenage Cancer Trust as well as playing a big part in Runway on the Runway.

Lucie said: "I was diagnosed in the middle of my GCSEs and the prospect of not being with my friends, who I had grown up with at our prom was devastating so when I heard about Runway on the Runway, I totally understood the concept. Prom has become an iconic part of teenage life and to use it as a hook to support both fundraising and creating awareness of those charities that supported me is an incredible idea, I'm thrilled to be part of it."

A highlight of the evening will be a special runway featuring current and former young cancer patients, sponsored by Harvey Nichols. One of the models will be 15 year old Olivia Cork who recently lost her right leg to an aggressive form of bone cancer. Taking part in this event has given Olivia the motivation and determination to gain full mobility using her new artificial leg. This event is particularly special for Olivia, who is one of triplets as she will be attending her own prom in 2013.

Central to this unique event will be a catwalk under Concorde where models, recruited from local schools, will showcase the latest prom fashion from Lipsy, Forever Unique, Vicky Martin, BCBG Max Azria, Little Mistress, Sherri Hill, Mori-Lee, Ted Baker and Coast, as well as shoes by Kurt Geiger. Their make-up will be by Bobbi Brown and hair by Essensuals Toni & Guy. All participants who are modelling at the event will be treated to special master-classes on hair, make-up and runway technique.

There will be a competition for budding prom dress designers to create a prom dress with the finalists attending a special master class with Manchester designer, Vicky Martin who will coach them on how to take their designs from the drawing-board to the cutting room. There will even be the chance to have their own designs modelled on the catwalk during the event.

Margo, who used to work as a Senior HR Manager in the NHS, said: "Runway on the Runway isn't just about making one night when Manchester will sparkle, the next six months leading up to the event will provide opportunities for teenagers to learn new skills. Today's employment market for young people has never been so challenging. For any young person wanting to aim for a career in retail, fashion, beauty or design, their involvement in Runway on the Runway will surely give their CV the X factor."

Applications are currently being taken for schools in Greater Manchester to get their students involved in the event until the middle of November. To find out more details on Runway on the Runway visit www.runwayontherunway.co.uk.

ENDS

For more information, please contact the Manchester Airport press office on 0161 489 2700 or press.office@manairport.co.uk.

Notes

Photography and HD video footage of models practicing catwalk on Manchester Airport's second runway plus interviews with Margo Cornish, Lucie Carrington and Olivia Cork are available on request. E-brochure also available. Visit www.runwayontherunway.co.uk and www.facebook.com/runwayontherunway for more details.

Please note that Make-A-Wish does not use phrases such as 'terminally ill' in order to respect the sensitive nature of life-threatening conditions and what they mean to children and young people and their families. We would ask that this approach is followed and that the term 'life-threatening conditions' is used in material for publication.

Make-A-Wish should be referred to as Make-A-Wish Foundation UK in the first instance. Thereafter 'Make-A-Wish' or 'Make-A-Wish Foundation' is suitable. We would ask that you try to keep 'Make-A-Wish' on the same line.

Make-A-Wish grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening conditions. The charity was founded in the UK in 1986. Registered charity number: 295672/SC037479 www.make-a-wish.org.uk.

www.teenagecancertrust.org
http://www.medcare.org.uk/

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Paperchase opens in Manchester Airport

28th September 2012

Paperchase, the UK's top contemporary stationery and card retailer are delighted to be opening its first store in a major UK Airport. The Store in Manchester Airport will be opening its doors on the 28th September in Terminal 1. The store will occupy a 1,200 sq ft unit in the main shopping concourse.

Paperchase, which has over 100 outlets in the UK as well as stores in Europe and the Middle East, is firmly established as the top destination for customers looking for design-led stationery, cards for every occasion and giftwrap as well as quirky gift ideas. Paperchase is a strong creative brand, offering variety and inspiration.

Much of the merchandise is exclusive and the distinct collection includes cards, wrap and ribbons, designer stationery, home accessories, storage solutions, bags and travel accessories, wedding albums and stationery and a diverse gift selection.

Beth Brewster, Retail Director at Manchester Airport, said: "It is fantastic that Paperchase have chosen Manchester as their first airport store. We want to ensure that we offer an increasingly diverse range of retail options suited to the airport environment for the millions of passengers who use Terminal 1. We believe that Paperchase will prove popular with the variety of customers and staff on site, who can choose from an interesting range of products on offer."

The Manchester Airport store will be hosting exclusive travel products including laptop cases, iphone covers, luggage belts and luggage labels. Even more reason to stop by the new store.

Timothy Melgund, Chief Executive, Paperchase, added "We are delighted to be opening our first airport store, especially in Manchester where we already have a flagship store and loyal customer base. Paperchase provides a wide variety of innovative and design led products that are perfect as gifts or practical purchases for travelers on the go."

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For further information, product images and to discuss possible promotions please contact either Jo Walsh on jow@paperchase.co.uk tel: 0207 467 6223 or David Howard on pr@paperchase.co.uk tel: 0207 467 6218.

For more information from Manchester Airport, contact the press office on 0161 489 2700 or email press.office@manairport.co.uk

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Manchester Airport to focus on Yorkshire and Cheshire markets at special trade event

The trade team at Manchester Airport are taking their annual 'Manchester Airport showcase' out on the road in a bid to win back passengers from competing airports.

Following on from the success of last year's 'Manchester Rocks' event, Manchester Airport is planning two further travel trade events in Chester and Leeds on the 25th September at Chester Racecourse starting at 6pm and then at Aspire, Leeds on 26th September at 6pm.

The aim will be to engage with the local leisure and business travel agents to increase awareness and sales, making Manchester the airport of choice within its larger catchment area.

The airport wants to win back passengers from other airports in the region as it looks to build its low cost offering in competition with them. Many travellers who are currently living within the two hours catchment area for Manchester are choosing to use other airports.

The evening will bring a selection of Manchester's airline and tour operator partners together with the local travel trade; giving airlines and operators who do not have representatives on the road a chance to meet a mix of around 200 key travel agents in the areas of Leeds and Chester.

In the last 12 months, Manchester has seen steady growth in passenger numbers which has resulted in an 8% increase compared with 2011. Manchester has seen also see an increase in market share, where other airports in the North West have declined.

Bev Ridyard, Head of Aviation Marketing for Manchester Airports Group (MAG), said: "The events we have held within the Greater Manchester area were a huge success and we can attribute that to the increase in market share for Manchester. We now want to increase that awareness and that's why we are moving into our wider catchment area. Cheshire and Yorkshire are hugely important regions as they're in close proximity to our location. It's important for us and our airlines that the travel trade know about Manchester and what we can offer the business and leisure passenger.

"The events will offer opportunities to strengthen existing and new relationships with business and leisure travel agents in each area, driving awareness of current products and services available. Manchester might not currently be first choice for passengers in those areas and we want to change that."

The format of the evenings will provide a 'market place' of fun activities, food and refreshments. Each airline and tour operator has their own stand to showcase their Manchester offering to agents.

Spaces are now very limited so to book a place for you and a colleague please email Jennifer.lam@manairport.co.uk

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For more information please contact the MAG press office on 0161 489 2700 or email press.office@manairport.co.uk

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Manchester Airport and Halle Orchestra launch China trade mission with UKTI

18th September 2012

Manchester Airport's ambition to secure a direct route to China has taken a further step forward by supporting Manchester's world-famous Halle Orchestra, as they announce their first tour to China and link up with a UKTI trade mission that aims to increase exports from the North West.

Senior executives from Manchester Airports Group (MAG) and The Halle will be visiting China in October to promote the North West region. They have also joined forces with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to help promote the region's businesses and potentially boost business relationships between the two countries.

UKTI, the government body which encourages British businesses to trade abroad, is looking for SMEs in the North West who want the chance to join the trip on a trade mission to China. Businesses that sign up may be eligible for government grants to help with travelling costs. They will have the opportunity to attend a reception at the British Ambassador's residence in Beijing, and Halle performances at the Poly Theatre and Forbidden City Concert Hall in Beijing.

UKTI will help companies who join the trade mission to identify potential customers or partners in China, and to arrange meetings to sign up new business.

Clive Drinkwater, UKTI's Regional Director in the North West, said: "The Halle is renowned across the world and I'm sure the opportunity to meet some of the musicians, or to see a live performance, will be an extra incentive for Chinese businesses to do deals with firms in the North West.

"China is already one of our biggest customers but there's still a lot more potential to increase exports to the country. The trade mission is open to all industries but may be of particular interest to the services sector, which currently makes up 44% of the Chinese economy.

"I'd encourage firms who are already doing a small amount of business with China, or who think there might be a market for them in the country, to sign up to the mission and help boost their exports."

MAG, who also own two other airports in the UK (East Midlands and Bournemouth), is increasingly looking to growth markets in the Far East as its looks to widen its route network and a direct passenger service between Manchester and China is a strategic ambition for both MAG and its North West partners. MAG recently signed a partnership agreement with UBM Aviation, the owners of Airport Strategy & Marketing Ltd (ASM) and Routes, as part of its strategy to broaden the airline network into the growth market of Asia and they are providing advice and support in Asia as MAG looks to grow its offering.

In 2011, Manchester was named the sister airport to Beijing Capital International Airport - the second largest in the world, which handles 74 million passengers a year while also acting as a gateway to hundreds of other Far East destinations. MAG is also aiming to attract global firms to Airport City - the £650m Enterprise Zone project on the Manchester Airport site that is expected to create more than 10,000 full-time jobs in the region over the next 10-15 years.

Ken O'Toole, Chief Commercial Officer for MAG said: "We want to provide direct connectivity to China for the 200,000 thousand passengers who currently have to hub via London and beyond, this trade mission is an important step forward as part of our wider plans. Trade with China from the North West continues to increase so we are delighted to continue to support the world-renowned Halle Orchestra and showcase what the North West has to offer at the same time. Manchester airport is the North West's international gateway and we have much to offer airlines as they look to service this growing market. A direct service will be beneficial to the whole of Greater Manchester and every SME wanting to expand into the Asia Pacific region from the North."

Manchester is already home to the third largest Chinese population in Europe as well as enjoying trade links that were worth over £4bn in 2010. The city's Universities also attract the largest number of Chinese students all of which show the potential for growth and further investment through closer direct links.

The Halle is delighted to be embarking on its first tour of mainland China. The three concerts - two in Beijing and one in Tianjin - offer the Orchestra the chance to bring their music to completely new audiences and to fly Manchester's flag in the world's most exciting new market. Their visit to China, with the UKTI trade mission, will showcase the excellence of Manchester's cultural and business institutions.

Halle Music Director and Principal Conductor Sir Mark Elder said: "This is an important and exciting opportunity for the Halle, which would not have been possible without the long-term support of our principal sponsor Manchester Airport. In these challenging times, the close relationship between the Halle and Manchester's business community - which has existed from the Orchestra's first concert 154 years ago - is more important than ever."

Companies can find out more about joining the trade mission to China by calling UKTI North West on 0161 875 2328 or emailing events@uktinorthwest.co.uk


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For more information, contact the MAG press office on 0161 489 2700 or email press.office@manairport.co.uk


Note to Editors:

Businesses that sign up to the trade mission will spend 11 days in China, from 6 to 16 October, visiting Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai.

Manchester Airport is the largest airport outside London with over 190 destinations served by 65 airlines. Manchester Airport is part of the Manchester Airports Group plc (MAG), which is the second largest airport group in the UK and is made up of three airports - Manchester, East Midlands and Bournemouth - and currently handles more than 23 million passengers every year. For more information please visit www.manchesterairport.co.uk

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the Government department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. We also help overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK's economy - acknowledged as Europe's best place from which to succeed in global business. UKTI offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. We provide companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage. For more information on UKTI, visit www.ukti.gov.uk or telephone +44 (0)20 7215 8000.

The Halle was founded in Manchester by Sir Charles Halle in 1858, the Halle gave its first concert in the city's Free Trade Hall on 30 January of that year. Sir Mark Elder became Music Director in 2000. The Halle performs over 70 concerts a year in The Bridgewater Hall, its Manchester home, as well as making over 40 appearances annually throughout the rest of Britain. Last season over a quarter of a million people heard the Halle, of which more than 44,000 were inspired by the Halle's pioneering education programme. Generating over 65 projects a year, it exists to create a wider enjoyment and understanding of music throughout the whole community. The Halle is a registered charity. For more information please visit www.halle.co.uk

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