Ryanair aiming for 1m passengers from Manchester in 2009
the first time in 2009 by adding new routes and increasing frequency on others.
It will need to achieve a 57 per cent increase on the 634,000 it carried in 2008
if the target is to be achieved.
Ryanair announced today it was increasing frequency on its Brussels (Charleroi)
route to a daily service from the current four days a week.
Laura McCormack, Ryanair sales and marketing executive, refused to discuss what
and how many routes would be added.
She said Manchester could lower aviation charges further to support the move,
although she stressed the same demands had been made of many other airports.
The carrier – known for its controversial outburst and unusual marketing – currently
flies 10 routes from Manchester after adding seven destinations in 2008.
On charges, McCormack said "We feel there could be a bit more support given.
While other airlines such as British Airways and BMI withdraw routes, Ryanair
continues to go from strength to strength as passenger traffic to and from Manchester
increased by a massive 49 per cent, providing excellent growth opportunities for
the airport."
including Ryanair):
1999 17 418
2000 18 349
2001 19 082
2002 18 618
2003 19 520
2004 20 969
2005 22 083
2006 22 124
2007 21 892
2008 21 063 (down -4% on 2007)