Manchester Airport is the third largest airport in the UK, serving more than 32 million passengers a year - the majority of whom travel here by road. A team of Landside Administrators oversee traffic flows across the terminal forecourts, car parks and road networks to ensure passengers can access the terminals quickly and efficiently.

In this month's edition of Life at MAN we speak to Adam Gardam, a self-proclaimed Harry Potter fan, maths-lover and Landside Administrator at the airport, to delve deeper into his vital role and his top tips for those seeking a career in the aviation industry. Written by Xiayan Pillay Narrainen

How long have you been working at Manchester Airport?

I have been working as a Landside Administrator for two and a half a years.

What does your job involve on a typical day?

There are many different tasks that fall under the umbrella of a Landside Administrator- no two days are the same. Our responsibilities range from forecourt management which includes queries about the barrierless system, dealing with concession cards for private hire drivers to small claims on vehicle damage. We often work with different teams such as car park managers and liaise with customers. Sometimes new responsibilities also emerge - for example, the introduction of barrierless forecourts and car park has meant new arrangements must be made to accommodate contractors and visitors.

What is the most memorable thing you have worked on?

A memorable moment for me was the launch of the barrierless system in our forecourts and car parks. It was an exciting moment for the whole team as we'd worked on it for a long time and symbolised a significant shift in Manchester Airport's parking system - but one that simplifies and speeds up the process for passengers.

What do you enjoy most about working in the airport?

The people. Words cannot express how supportive and kind everyone is. It’s an environment where everyone is genuinely willing to help each other, and has allowed me to grow and flourish as a person. The sheer size of the organisation creates opportunities to meet a diverse range of people, and to understand and connect to different backgrounds and beliefs.

How did you get your job, and are there any qualifications or skills needed?

I saw a job advertisement online, applied and luckily got the job. I have a Level 3 Business Administration qualification, which personally I believe equipped me with some of the skills and knowledge needed for the job. However, this is not necessary - the wonderful thing about my role is that anyone from any background can do it. There are no specific qualifications needed beforehand, although I would say you do need good communication and interpersonal skills.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone considering a career at the airport?

Go for it. The airport is a great organisation that will help develop yourself and your career. Its strong values deeply resonate with all its staff and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere and strong community. If you do end up joining, I recommend asking lots of questions, being curious and most importantly enjoying the experience.

What do you like to do when you’re not at work?

I like to balance working on my physical health with spending time with friends and family. I go to the gym several times a week and like to play darts. I don’t often watch TV, but the Harry Potter series are my absolute comfort movies, especially the Goblet of Fire.

Which destination that we fly do you most want to visit?

Definitely New York. It would be an absolute dream to go during wintertime and see Times Square.

As Manchester Airport constantly grows, more and more passengers visit every year. A key focus is giving passengers a wide choice in where they can visit across the globe - but before the airport is able to open new routes a huge amount of planning is necessary.

In this month’s Life at MAN, we had the opportunity to speak to Leo Coussement- Senior Strategy Analyst- as he shares some of the statistics recorded to prove the crucial benefits behind every new route.  Written by Bronte Birch.

How long have you been working at Manchester Airport? 

I joined Manchester Airport in late 2016, meaning I’ve been part of the community for almost 10 years - much to my surprise considering how fast this decade at the airport has been for me!

What does your job involve on a typical day? 

Me and the team are constantly working on varied parts of work across the airport. For example, the strategy team supports many different people around the business who will come to us for any enquiries or problems to do with data that need to be answered or solved; usually involving aviation data.

This means my usual day-to-day involves working very closely with the rest of the aviation development teams. Our job is to go out and sell routes to airlines. For destinations the airport doesn’t fly to, we establish that passengers do still fly there but by travelling to different airports. This is proven by bringing airlines sets of data over a period of time to back up our claims- often consisting of if people are travelling direct or not from existing routes with different airlines, and domestic UK routes such as travelling by train. This is done to hopefully convince an airline that there are benefits in launching a new route to a destination from at least one of the MAG airports. 

We also tend to keep track of current popular destinations and give that data to the media team for promoting; but in reality, anyone in the business with questions about aviation can be answered with our figures and understanding.

What is the most memorable thing you’ve worked on? 

A memorable example would be our success in beginning a route to Shanghai with Juneyao Airlines a few years ago. We had all been working on the commencement for at least 5 years, so it was a major accomplishment for the business and our consistent determination. There have been many more memorable moments, making it hard to pin one in particular, but the major route launches are hard to forget!

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport? 

Particularly for our team, the constant variety of things we can get involved in helps give us a wider understanding of the airport and the detail of every role we are associated with. I am usually involved in aviation, but we often get asked questions across the business that aren’t always strongly linked to passengers or airlines. The range of knowledge and data we have means that different topics and areas of the business can often involve us in the behind-the-scenes of their roles and experiences. It’s as if the airport is a small city, giving us broad exposure to many jobs I would never know about if I wasn’t part of aviation – widening my perspective significantly!

How did you get into your job, and what kind of qualifications or skills are needed? 

I have been part of aviation for my entire career, after getting a degree in it at university. For one season, I worked as cabin crew for easyJet before working for a small airline in the operations department- making sure flights and passengers were punctual. I now work as Senior Strategy Analyst but have always had experience in different parts of the industry. You don’t necessarily need qualifications for the job but the main skill I believe is crucial is being analytical in order to problem solve with logic and data; as well as having the ability to explain your point clearly.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone considering a career at the airport? 

The airport is an incredible place to work! Being open to moving about in different jobs really gives you the full picture; MAG is excellent at supporting those who want to change their role or job in the business, as I constantly experience this happening with colleagues. Moving around the roles at the airport creates great skills for each individual - many even return to their past role with the experience gained to perform at a greater standard in the job they truly loved at the airport! Entering MAG with an open-mind instead of focusing on one role with allow you to explore all the exciting opportunities and expertise that are offered to you.

What do you like to do when you’re not at work? 

I’m involved in a lot of running in my spare time; even running the Manchester Marathon last year and will be doing it again! I was a member of a gliding club in order to learn to fly, I plan to join back when i have some time or possibly trying to get my Private Flying Licence- a target for the future.  

Which destination that we fly to do you most want to visit? 

It’s going to have to be Singapore; me and my partner have visited Asia a few times but never been to the country. One of my friends lives there and is extremely positive about it, it just seems like an incredible place to experience for myself!

Joanna Jackson, a Senior Education & Employment Manager at the airport, takes the lead on promoting aviation careers to young people across the region - from overseeing the on-site AeroZone learning centre to leading its Airport Academy vocational programme and organising outreach events designed to reach young people from primary school age to college leavers, opening their eyes to the opportunities available.

In this month's edition of our Life at MAN Q&A series, Joanna talks us through a day in her life, the delight of seeing young people secure their first job in the aviation industry, and why the views from her office window are hard to beat.

How long have you been working at Manchester Airport?

I’ve been working at Manchester Airport for over 12 years, and during that time I’ve had the opportunity to work across a range of departments. I started in the Car Park Booking team, back when phoning up to book holiday parking - rather than just doing it online - was still commonplace! I then moved into the Customer Feedback team, responding to a wide range of customer communications. 

After that, I worked in the Community Relations team, and I now work in the Social Sustainability team, where I lead our Education, Employment and Skills initiatives. I’ve been in my current role for six years.

What does your job involve on a typical day?

My role focuses on leading teams at Manchester and East Midlands Airports, where we deliver a wide range of education, skills and employment opportunities. These programmes help local people access careers at the airport and introduce young people aged 4–19 to the world of opportunity within aviation.

A typical day for me and the team might include working with schools, colleges and training providers; welcoming schools to our on‑site education centre, AeroZone; organising work experience and airfield tours for our partner schools and colleges; and meeting with colleagues and airport partners. Their teams play a vital role in the success of our programmes — it really is a team effort.

We also work in partnership with the Department for Work & Pensions and local jobcentres, supporting and training jobseekers through our Airport Academy. Here, participants develop key aviation and employability skills and receive support to apply for on‑site vacancies, all of which is free of charge. 

My favourite part of the role, however, is brainstorming with the team to develop new and exciting initiatives that encourage more young people to consider a career in aviation - we have so many ideas and there's always such a buzz in the room! 

I always struggled at school to visualise careers and never quite knew what I wanted to do, so it’s important to me that young people can actually see and hear about the opportunities available — especially in such an exciting industry. 

What skills and training are needed for the role?

Technically, there is no formal qualification required. However, you do need a strong understanding of aviation careers, which I’ve developed over the 12+ years I’ve worked for MAG. I personally studied a BA (Hons) in Primary Education at Manchester Metropolitan University, where I qualified as a Primary Teacher. When I graduated, I decided to stay at the airport and progress my career here instead, as I loved the environment and could see the many opportunities available to me.

Strong communication and partnership‑working skills are also essential, as the role involves engaging with lots of different people and organisations, as well as having a genuine passion for supporting others.

What is the most memorable thing you’ve worked on?

Can I have two? 

One of the most memorable projects I’ve worked on is our interactive education centre, AeroZone. I was involved from its inception, designing the interactive role‑play areas, including our mock aircraft cabin with interactive safety demonstration screens and flight simulators! I also created all of the educational materials and saw AeroZone become fully booked within weeks of opening in its first year. It was a long process, but incredibly rewarding, and it allowed me to be creative and bring my ideas to life.

On a more regular basis, one of the most memorable and rewarding aspects of my role is supporting young people and adult jobseekers from local communities into sustainable employment at the airport. Seeing someone gain confidence, develop skills and begin a long‑term career is incredibly fulfilling. I've personally seen three young people go from visiting AeroZone with their school, to securing work experience at college and they are now all in paid roles at Manchester and East Midlands Airport! I keep in touch with them and they are all doing incredibly well! 

Why is it important for the airport to engage with young people in our neighbouring communities?

As one of the region’s largest employers, the airport has a responsibility to support and invest in the communities around it. Engaging with young people helps raise aspirations, challenge misconceptions about careers in aviation, and ensure local talent has access to the wide range of opportunities the airport offers. Airports have a significant social and economic impact locally, so it’s important that neighbouring communities share in the opportunities this creates. We want our airports to be a force for good by providing meaningful education, skills and employment pathways that support long‑term prosperity and social mobility.

Many communities around our airports experience higher‑than‑average levels of deprivation, which makes early engagement especially important. By working with young people from primary school through to early careers, we can break down barriers, showcase the breadth of roles available, and help them build the skills and confidence needed for future employment.

This engagement also supports the long‑term sustainability of the airport itself. By investing in local talent, building strong skills pipelines, and working in partnership with schools, colleges and local organisations, we help ensure our future workforce reflects the communities we serve and that the benefits of growth are shared for generations to come.

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport?

I’m going to be a bit cliché and say that no two days are the same — because they genuinely aren’t. The office views are also a solid 10/10!

On a more serious note, I love knowing that the work I do can make a real difference to people’s lives while being part of such a dynamic, fast‑moving environment. A great example of this was bringing my goddaughter Maddie to our Kids at Work Day, which my team runs for colleagues’ children to visit the airport and see jobs in action. Maddie absolutely loved the day, especially meeting one of our female firefighters and taking part in a pretend rescue mission. She still talks about it now and is determined to become an aviation firefighter — she’s even started taking steps to get firefighting fit! Moments like that perfectly capture what our work is all about and give me huge job satisfaction.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone considering a career at the airport?

Be open‑minded. The airport offers far more opportunities than most people realise, with careers spanning engineering, operations, customer service, digital, business support and sustainability. There really is something for everyone — if you can think of a job, chances are you can find it at Manchester Airport.

What do you like to do when you’re not at work?

When I’m not at work, you’ll usually find me at the gym, running around after my very pampered free roaming house bunnies, or at a gig!

Which destination that we fly to do you most want to visit?

There are so many destinations on my bucket list, but I’d love to spend a few weeks doing a theme park trip across Europe. I’d also love to go back to Thailand — the culture and food truly captured my heart and with it being easy to fly there from Manchester Airport, its even more tempting!! 

For a small but dedicated team at Manchester Airport, managing the retail, food and drink offering in the terminals is a full-time job - bringing new brands in, looking at what is working and what isn't, ensuring the offering stays fresh and meets the needs of everyone from business class travellers to young families.

Alison Bailey, a Senior Retail Operations Manager, explains what goes into managing all of this - and also explains why a popular Middle East destination is at the top of her travel wishlist.

How long have you been working at Manchester Airport? 

Seven years at the end of April!

What does your job involve on a typical day? 

In nearly seven years, I don't think I have had two days the same to call them typical. Within the Retail Operations team, our role is to ensure the operational excellence of our retail partners and ensure they are offering our passengers the best experience possible and meeting all of their contractual obligations, therefore every day we are speaking to our partners about how we can support them and drive improvement. 

Across the team we walk the terminal floors daily checking our units (even at 4am) and speaking to our partners. In addition our days can include everything from addressing operational issues and logistics at our Consolidation Centre to the more glamorous side of the role such as menu tastings and ribbon cuttings to welcome our new units! 

How does the team go about selecting the brands and units that they'd like to see? 

The Retail Team is made up of two halves - Category Management and Operations. On the Category Management side, we keep in touch with what is popular in the market from restaurants and bars to retailers. When we have a vacant unit - or in the case of T2, a new development - the team will review the retail strategy, data, capacity and customer feedback to determine whether we need to prioritise bringing in a partner that can fill a particular niche, for example a coffee shop, retail unit or restaurant. 

From there, the team then go out to tender where our current partners and potential future partners submit their ideas and we begin the review and scoring process. Even once we have selected a partner and concept, the work doesn't stop there. Across the team we continually work with partners to develop design, menus, pricing and more to ensure we give the best for our passengers.

What is the most memorable thing you’ve worked on? 

I have two, and they are both for our new T2! The first is opening T2 West, the new extension to the terminal, in 2021. We were all still wearing masks and airlines were running reduced flight schedules due to the pandemic, but in spite of all those challenges, to stand back at 3am that day and see everything that so many people including our retail team and our retail partners had achieved was a memory I will never forget and a highlight in my career.

The second highlight is the first set of retail openings in T2 East in July last year, as part of the ongoing work to renovate the original building and bring it in line with the extension. This was my first big project where I was leading as a manager and to see my team pull together amongst all the challenges, alongside our Consolidation Centre partner GXO to achieve the first units opening was definitely a highlight, albeit a very tiring one!

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport? 

That no two days are the same, every day there are new challenges and new things to celebrate, working with a wide range of different departments and talented individuals all with the same goal - delivering a great passenger experience. Oh…and of course the planes!

What kind of qualifications / skills are required for your role, and how did you get into this field? 

I did attend university and received my degree in Journalism, however throughout that time I worked in retail and developed my passion. From there I worked my way through management levels to Retail Operations Manager in High Street retail before moving to the airport. When I attended college and university there were no courses devoted to Retail, however skip ahead a few years and there are more opportunities which is great to see. 

A specific qualification is, however, not essential to get your foot in the door. A career in retail can open so many doors as no matter where you are, whether it's on the shop floor or working in a senior position, you get to step into the worlds of HR, finance, people management, customer services and even creative duties such as visual merchandising every day. If you put the hard work into retail it can help you climb to the top and beyond!

What one piece of advice would you give to someone considering a career at the airport? 

Whether this is your first ever job, or you are moving from a high street role to the airport I always advise people to 'absorb the airport' - its a complex area to work in that takes time to understand. So any experience you have prior, lock it away in your brain for now, learn the airport and then bring your experience and the reason why you entered the role into your day-to-day.

What do you like to do when you're not at work? 

I bought a house just under a year ago so spend a lot of time working on that, but when I am not covered in paint - walks, swimming, spending time with loved ones and travelling when I can. Oh and of course watching some good old reality TV like the Traitors.

Which destination that we fly to do you most want to visit?

For the plane - Dubai - I have never been on an A380 and have always wanted to go on one! For the destination - Thailand or Singapore, I have been fortunate to have visited both twice before and would love to explore even more.

Sahir Parkar heads up a team of Customer Ambassadors who staff the customer contact centre at Manchester and its two sister airports, East Midlands and London Stansted, handling queries that come in over the phone. He explains how they ensure passengers are looked after before and after they travel, as well as revealing his least favourite pizza topping.

How long have you been working at Manchester Airport?

I've been here for more than 7 years.

What does your job involve on a typical day? .

I lead the contact centre team for Manchester, East Midlands, and London Stansted, handling enquiries across calls and chat channels and managing the Chat Bot to resolve queries. I work closely with my team, monitor performance, and liaise regularly with Customer Relations and Social Media colleagues. Any trends, incidents, or events that could affect airport operations are shared with the wider Communications team to ensure a consistent and proactive approach to advice and guidance for passengers travelling through our airports.

What skills and training are needed for the role?

The role requires a genuine passion for aviation and a strong commitment to customer care. It also calls for empathy, a will-do attitude, and the ability to stay calm under pressure while supporting passengers and working closely with colleagues to deliver the best possible experience.

What is the most memorable thing you’ve worked on?

It's hard to pick out a single thing, but I think the best moments are always the ones where you feel like you've ‘saved the day’ for somebody who is stressed about something relating to their trip. It's particularly lovely when a customer actively reaches out to you to compliment your team on how they've handled their query. Those are the ones that stay with you, and make this job rewarding.

What should passengers do if they have queries or concerns before they are due to travel?

It's very important for passengers to check both the airport and airline websites for the latest travel info. Also, make sure you have all your travel documents in place. Nothing ruins a trip faster than showing up without your passport. If they still have questions, my team is ready via phone or chat to help.

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport?

No day, hour, or minute is ever the same. Working at the airport is incredibly dynamic. I have loved aviation since I was a child and have spent my whole career in this industry. I also really enjoy meeting and working with people from different places and countries; you learn so much from them, and it is hugely rewarding to be part of that.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone considering a career at the airport?

Airports are fast paced and involve so many teams working together to get passengers from point A to B. Be ready to learn, adapt, be positive and if you have a love of aviation, the sky is the limit for your career.

What do you like to do when you're not at work?

Family time and planning our next holiday always come first. When I am not doing that, I am a devoted pizza hunter—pineapple toppings need not apply!

Which destination that we fly to from Manchester do you most want to visit?

Casablanca.

Senior Engineering Manager, Joe Marquis, and his team are responsible for keeping the physical infrastructure of the baggage system working as it should, playing a vital role in making sure passengers' bags are there and waiting for them when they get to their destination, or when they arrive home. It's no mean feat to keep everything running smoothly but here, Joe talks us through what's involved - and explains why he loves a challenge.

How long have you been working at Manchester Airport? 

I've been here for two years now.

What does your job involve on a typical day? 

A typical day in my role involves the management and the maintenance of all baggage systems at Manchester Airport. The main goal is to have all baggage assets available and operating correctly, but it also involves troubleshooting when things don't go to plan. 

Managing our assets day to day might involve maintenance work - whether that's what we call Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM), designed to address any issues before they become a problem, or Reliability-Centred Maintenance (RCM) which is scheduled work.

Asset management can also involve looking at things that have gone wrong and identifying how they can be avoided in future, through Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) or Root Cause Analysis (RCA).

What makes for a good Senior Engineering Manager?

As an engineer working on this system it's crucial to have end-to-end knowledge of how it works, and this is something you'll develop over time, but covers everything from check-in, infeed, sortation, and reclaim systems, to conveyors, tilt trays, X ray machines, safety systems and troubleshooting systems.

And as a team leader, People Management is key. I'm leading multi-skilled engineering teams so a part of my role is monitoring performance and development planning along with coaching and mentoring, and generally ensuring my team is happy and have the tools they need to do the job.

You've also got to be able to make decisions under pressure and manage important relationships. I'm responsible for 24/7 operational decision-making, incident and escalation management, along with updating stakeholders like our terminal operations teams, airlines, and ground handling agents on the work my team is doing. On top of all that, I hold responsibility for departmental budget.

What is the most memorable thing you’ve worked on? 

Since Joining MAG the most memorable thing I have worked on is the Go Live & Reliability phases of the new T2 Baggage system. This was a large task which involved aligning our Internal Engineering & Baggage operations teams with the delivery contractor Vanderlande, who built the system, to make sure everything worked as it should. It was incredible to see a brand new system on such a huge scale going into action, and to be a part of making that happen.

How are advancements in technology helping your team deliver a better experience for passengers?

Our new baggage handling technology in Terminal 2 plays a key role in enhancing the overall passenger experience by improving speed, reliability, and confidence throughout the journey. 

Modern self-service bag drop systems reduce queuing times and allow passengers to check in quickly and independently, which is particularly important during peak periods. 

Advanced sortation technology and intelligent routing improve the accuracy and resilience and resilience of the systems, ensuring bags go where they're supposed to and significantly reducing the number of mishandled or delayed bags. 

Real-time system monitoring and predictive maintenance help us keep on top of any work that needs to be done, which means capacity remains where it should be and disruption is minimised, ensuring a smoother flow from check-in through to baggage reclaim. 

Faster, more consistent baggage delivery at arrival, combined with improved safety features and clearer system control, all come together for a more efficient, stress-free experience for passengers. Everyone at the airport is committed to running our operations as smoothly as we can to ensure the best possible experience for you, the passenger, and this new technology is without a doubt playing a key role in allowing us to do that.

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport? 

Everyday I get an exciting challenge, no matter what day it is, and I find that very enjoyable. 

What one piece of advice would you give to someone considering a career at the airport? 

You will enjoy it and as cliche as it sounds, no two days are the same.

What do you like to do when you're not at work? 

I spend a lot of my spare time in the Gym or doing some form of physical activity to challenge myself. I also like to spend time with my parents, niece and nephew.

Which destination that we fly to do you most want to visit? 

Norway!

In this month's Life at MAN, we talk to Biodiversity Infrastructure Manager, Isabella McQuillan, about the work her team does, from rehoming bats to searching for glow worms. Isabella explains why safeguarding the natural world is so important to the airport as a whole. 

How long have you been working at Manchester Airport?
Just over two years.

What does your job involve on a typical day?
There isn’t really a “typical” day in my role! I’m mostly desk-based, working closely with my team to support the airport's activities and ensure we meet all of our obligations around biodiversity as an airport operator. This includes work with protected species like bats, and developing offsetting projects to support Biodiversity Net Gain, as we have a responsibility to ensure that new development on the airport site actually has a positive overall impact on biodiversity.

I spend some time out on site, guiding colleagues, regulators, or stakeholders around land owned by the airport, often supporting training sessions and building awareness of what we're trying to achieve with regards to biodiversity. I’m also involved in our work with the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), a government-led taskforce helping ensure money is invested into nature-positive projects. Part of this involves oversight and monitoring of our spending on nature-related projects.

What skills and training are needed for the role?
I hold a degree in Environmental Science and built my experience through various roles in environmental consultancy. These helped me develop practical knowledge of construction, ecology, health and safety, and GIS (Geographical Information Systems). I managed various projects and budgets, and gradually specialised by taking on more niche work. I’ve also pursued both paid and voluntary training, including courses with the Field Studies Council, where I especially enjoyed learning about bugs and mushrooms!

Why is it important for an airport to support biodiversity on and around its site?
Manchester Airport owns and manages a significant amount of ‘halo land’ - by which I mean land owned by the airport, but not in operational use. By managing this land to benefit biodiversity, we have the opportunity to deliver meaningful environmental gains for the region. It’s a chance to make a real and lasting positive impact.

What is the most memorable thing you’ve worked on?
It’s hard to choose just one! If I had to pick one that has been most memorable, I think it would be the glow worm surveys we undertook with the University of Manchester and Manchester Museum in the summer. It was fascinating learning about their life cycle and about why they glow!

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport?
No two days are the same, it’s never boring! I love seeing the tangible results of my work, especially when it benefits nature. That’s something I’m really proud of.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone considering a career at the airport?
Talk to people working here and attend careers and airport events. There’s a wide range of roles and opportunities, and speaking to those in the field can really help you find your path.

What do you like to do when you're not at work?
I love music, I sing in a choir, I also like hiking and going to the gym. I try to balance my busy schedule with some drawing when I can!

Which destination that we fly to from Manchester do you most want to visit?
Sicily, I love Italy!

As Manchester Airport grows, its airfield operations are constantly changing and evolving – with a drive for ever greater efficiency in the way that aircraft are guided from the gate to the runway, or vice versa, to ensure flights run on time and without a hitch.

In practice, that means lots of work, reviewing plans and procedures, and working with airlines, ground handlers and air traffic control to smooth over any hiccups.

In this month’s Life at MAN we speak to Oliver Thompson, an Airport Performance Lead – he explains all of this and more, and also shares some destination inspiration if you fancy a theme park holiday!

How long have you been working at Manchester Airport?

I've been working at Manchester Airport for over two years. I recently started in my current role as Airfield Performance Lead, approximately six months ago. Before that I worked in Capacity Planning for the airport.

What does your job involve on a typical day?

The role is varied, which is what makes it so engaging. Some days I’m on the airfield keeping an eye on our operations, other days I’m working on analytics, new tech projects, or talking to our airport partners about how we can improve the ways we work together. My main focus is airfield performance - making sure our people, processes, infrastructure, and technology are all supported and equipped as well as they can be, with the ultimate aim of getting passengers to their destinations on time.

I act as an Airfield subject matter expert on tech projects, ensuring that the airfield team’s needs are considered when we’re looking to make changes to the way we use technology and how that fits into the wider picture of the airport’s operations. I support colleagues by reviewing processes, providing training, and equipping them to make confident, informed decisions. This covers projects like the industry initiative Airport Collaborative Decision Making (or A-CDM for short), flight slot approvals, night jet movements, remote holding, and developing dashboards and tech solutions that support our performance in various areas, to enable the operation to perform at its best.

What skills and training are needed for the role?

A deep understanding of the aviation industry is essential, and I firmly believe this is developed through experience across a range of roles within the sector.

This position draws on expertise in airport operations, airline operations, scheduling, industry developments, and technological advancements.

It also demands strong skills in stakeholder management, continuous improvement leadership, analytical thinking, change and project management, among others.

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport?

There’s a saying: “Do a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” That perfectly captures how I’ve always felt about working at the airport. Aviation is truly fascinating, and being part of it - contributing to the success of a major airport like Manchester - is incredibly rewarding. There’s no better feeling than walking through the terminal and seeing families excited for their holidays, knowing that in some small way, I’ve helped make that possible. As a father, that sense of connection and purpose resonates with me deeply.

What is the most memorable thing you’ve worked on?

I’m still in the early stages of this role, but one of the most memorable projects I’m involved in is Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM). A-CDM is a major joint initiative between airport operators, airlines, ground handlers, and air traffic control aimed at improving the efficiency and predictability of airport operations. By sharing accurate and timely information, A-CDM helps reduce delays, optimise resource usage, and enhance the overall passenger experience. One of the highlights for me has been liaising with air traffic control and visiting their control tower - an absolutely breathtaking experience for anyone passionate about aviation.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone considering a career at the airport?

The airport is an incredible place to work, where you have the opportunity to truly make a difference. It’s a dynamic environment where anything can happen, and being part of that - contributing and making an impact - is immensely rewarding. I believe in always giving your best, going above and beyond, and earning the appreciation and respect that come from genuine effort and dedication.

What do you like to do when you're not at work?

Think of an "AvGeek" and apply that to rollercoasters instead, I'm one of those nerdy rollercoaster enthusiasts where I know more about rollercoasters than aircrafts! I count how many different rollercoasters I've ridden (a bit like plane spotters!), currently at 361. So this hobby takes me to a variety of places across the country and abroad! The best bit? I get to drag my family on days out! My eldest daughter is on 138 coasters at the age of 7, whether she's counting them or not…

Which destination that we fly to from Manchester do you most want to visit?

Orlando, theme park capital of the world! Every time I've been to Orlando I've flown from Manchester so the airport is sort of synonymous with that for me! You cannot beat a theme park holiday… even if it's a shorter weekend trip abroad on a cheap flight there are plenty of great destinations on offer at Manchester that I can make a rollercoaster trip out of… whether my family agree or not!

Pointing to data published as part of Manchester Airport’s parent company MAG’s Trade Barometer project that shows a gap in business confidence between the North and the south, he said while he can see reasons for economic optimism, it won’t be until the North is better connected that we feel the real benefits.

Mr Woodroofe said while in some respects people in the North are better connected than ever – particularly through Manchester Airport’s ever-expanding route network for more than 200 destinations – rail connectivity is still stuck in the past.

He pointed to the fact that at one hour and 24 minutes it now takes longer to get a train from Manchester to Sheffield than it did in the 1970s and that it still takes the same time – just under an hour – to get to Liverpool by rail as it did in the 80s.

He contrasted that with the Randstad region in the Netherlands where people can get from Amsterdam to Rotterdam – a distance of 37 miles, which is about the same as the distance between Manchester and both Liverpool and Sheffield – in just 26 minutes.

He said:

“We want to be sure that the benefits of having an international airport flow to all corners of the North, in the same way they do in London, the Randstad, or any other highly competitive region of the world.

“The Government’s continued commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail is a welcome one. It’s important that we get this right and the mistakes of other rail projects are avoided, but we mustn’t lose sight of the fact that it needs to happen as soon as possible.”

You can read Mr Woodroofe’s full piece here and learn more about the findings of MAG’s Trade Barometer here.

There was an advertising slogan from a few years ago that sometimes still springs to mind: “We’re better, connected”.

It’s one of those ‘eats, shoots and leaves’ sentences where a tiny comma makes a world of difference. Taken with the comma, I think it’s an inarguable truth. We are better off when we are better connected. It makes almost everything easier – whether that’s collaborating on a document in real-time or jumping on a plane from Manchester Airport to any of the 200+ destinations we serve.  Life is undeniably easier when the connections between us are more straightforward.

It’s when you remove the comma that the situation becomes less clear. Are we actually better connected?

In some senses, we definitely are.

I look out at our airfield and see a plane spotter’s paradise of tailfins representing airlines connecting people to the likes of Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, New York and Addis Ababa.

On Saturday, we waved off the first direct flight to Delhi with IndiGo, adding to their Mumbai service launched earlier this year.

And earlier today, I witnessed an Emirates-operated Airbus A380 – the world’s largest passenger plane – pulling up to a brand-new pier, delivered as part of our 10-year, £1.3bn transformation of Manchester Airport.

Now in its final stages, that’s a once-in-a-generation private investment in infrastructure, which unlocks the full capacity of our two runways and enables growth from the 32m annual passengers we serve today to nearly 50m.

So, from where I’m standing, it seems fair to say we are better connected to the world than ever before – and I’m very proud of our part in that.

But it’s when I look closer to home that the idea of being better connected becomes more debatable. Here’s a startling thing: in 1970 you could travel by train from Manchester to Sheffield in 56 minutes – now it takes an average of one hour and 24 minutes.

The train journey between Manchester and Liverpool has taken an average of around 48 minutes since the 80s. And capacity has been a continual issue on both routes for decades.

Coincidentally, both those journeys are only around 37 miles.

Compare that to the speed and efficiency of the transport network in and around London that connects commuter towns like Reading, Milton Keynes, St Albans, Luton and others to the city.  With its famous Underground, complete with the new Elizabeth Line, you can see a world of difference.

Or compare it to another 37 mile journey in the Randstad region of the Netherlands, where it takes just 26 minutes to get from Amsterdam Schiphol to Rotterdam by rail. An international gateway connecting to a world-famous port city, jointly forming one of the exemplar cases of a globally competitive economic region. Sound familiar? It's certainly our aspiration in the North, but until we're better connected, I'm not sure we're there.

And if you need evidence we aren’t quite there yet, look no further than the latest findings of the UK Trade Barometer, released by Manchester Airport’s parent company, MAG.

It shows Northern businesses had a solid Q3, with 56% of exporters growing order books and 38% entering new markets for the first time – broadly flat on Q2. But when you compare the same figures for London businesses – 67% and 49% respectively – there is still a gap we have to mind.

So, despite all the signs for optimism I see right in front of me every day, we want to be sure that the benefits of having an international airport - that connects you to the long list of destinations I name-checked before - flow to all corners of the North, in the same way they do in London, the Randstad, or any other highly competitive region of the world.

The Government’s continued commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail is a welcome one. It’s important that we get this right and the mistakes of other rail projects are avoided, but we mustn’t lose sight of the fact that it needs to happen as soon as possible – and I think then we could truly say we’re better connected without the need for a comma.

Did you know Manchester Airport is home to a vibrant community of 20,000 people? At the heart of it is the Stakeholder Communications team, which connects everyone from airlines and ground handlers, to retailers, hotels and emergency services.

Head of Stakeholder Communications, Louise Tolan plays a crucial role in keeping everyone informed and engaged. From community and operational updates to celebrating major milestones on the Manchester Airport Transformation Programme, her work touches many aspects of airport life. Louise shares insights into the variety of skills needed for the role and the unique challenges of communicating with such a diverse audience - all while helping to create a positive, connected community.

How long have you been working at Manchester Airport?

Ten years in various different communications roles.

What first attracted you to work at Manchester Airport?

I initially joined MAG as a comms contractor to work on a project to introduce new technology and I hoped this would lead to other opportunities - I never thought I’d be here ten years later with so many amazing experiences under my belt!

What does your job involve on a typical day?

I look after communications for the 20,000+ people that work for various companies across the Manchester Airport community – for example all of our airlines, ground handlers, retailers, cleaning contractors, hotels and emergency services. I also lead the communications for the Manchester Airport Transformation Programme (MAN-TP) which is our £1.3bn investment programme to transform the passenger and colleague experience in T2.

In a typical day, I might be out on the MAN-TP site filming for a video to showcase the programmes’ latest milestone, creating content for our internal or external communications channels such as ‘Connect’ (our stakeholder newsletter), or coordinating engagement events like the monthly airline operators committee (AOC) where we discuss key operational issues with airlines based at MAN.

What skills and training are needed for your role?

Definitely good people-skills, you work with so many different people across MAG and the airport community and you need to be able to build good relationships.

You need to be able to communicate clearly and creatively - be that through writing or digital content, often taking quite complex information and turning it into something simple, concise and user-friendly, tailored for each audience.

We coordinate lots of events so being good at organising is key. In the summer we coordinated the opening of T2 Departures East where we held several ribbon cuttings (we love the big scissors!) and in-terminal celebrations with passengers and colleagues to mark the major milestone for MAN-TP. This was on the same weekend as the Manchester Day Live ’25 parade where we coordinated 60+ volunteers and their families in a procession through the city centre!

How do you adapt your messages for different audiences?

The key is to find out what’s in it for them and focus the communications around that, i.e. how is this new product/ route/ tool going to impact them and make their lives better? For example we’ve opened lots of new facilities as part of MAN-TP – new T2 Check-in zones, Security East and Sydney Avenue – and for customers, the communications would focus mainly on how it’ll improve their journey through the airport, whereas a colleague or member of the airport community would want to know how will this change things for them in their working day. Then it’s a case of turning the message into creative content using the most appropriate channel - does it need a face to face briefing, video, email, Viva Engage post, update on the Airport Community App, digital screen or all of the above for maximum reach? These are all things we have to consider.

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport?

It’s such a unique environment, I love that there are so many people from all different organisations and passengers from all over the world crossing paths every day – it’s like a mini town! It’s a really energetic and special place to work.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Making sure that communications are sequenced in the most effective way. There’s so much great stuff happening across our airport and people always want to shout about it. It’s my job to try to make sure information is shared in a timely and effective way to ensure stakeholders are briefed as appropriate and we get the maximum engagement from it!

What one piece of advice would you give to someone considering a career at the airport?

Get involved with as many things as you can, whether that’s through volunteering, work shadowing or finding a mentor – the more experiences you have, the more you learn about yourself and what you like, and of course the more people you’ll meet - you never know what doors it’ll open!

What do you like to do when you're not at work?

I’ve recently competed a coaching apprenticeship so that’s kept me busy outside of work but mostly spending time with family and friends. I'm a big music fan and love going to gigs, as well as the cinema and yoga for relaxing!

Which destination that we fly to from Manchester do you most want to visit?

I’ve just been to Skiathos so I’d happily go back to Greece for some island hopping! I’ve also never been to Italy so that has to be on the list!

It’s a different kind of trip to a beach break, however, so there are differences in how to prepare for your trip and how to get the most out of it when you’re there – from what you need to pack, to what you need to book in advance, and what you need to research before you arrive.  

Read on for Manchester Airport’s top tips for city breakers, including why you should never just turn up at a city’s most famous tourist spot, and why you should really think about wearing your jeans rather than your shorts to the airport – even if you’re going somewhere warm. 

Choose flight times carefully 

With a mini-break, the times that you choose to fly out to, or back from your destination can drastically change the look and feel of your itinerary. A flight out on Friday evening and back on Sunday morning gives you effectively one day to explore your destination – whereas a flight out on Friday morning and back on Sunday evening gives you the best part of three days. 

Travelling light will give you increased flexibility – more on that later – but if travelling with hold luggage is unavoidable, most cities will have a range of bag storage options at competitive prices that you can take advantage of between checking out of your accommodation and getting on your return flight, freeing you up to make the most of the days on which you fly. 

Accommodation – cheap or convenient? 

Hotel rooms are at a premium in the most touristy areas of Europe’s major cities, so if you want the convenience of being close to the action, factor it into your budget. If you want to cut costs without skimping on comfort, look at accommodation that is perhaps a little further from the city centre or main tourist attractions, but which is well connected, whether by road, tram or train. And if you’re looking for a budget option in the heart of a city, consider a hostel. Many hostels have private rooms available, if the thought of sleeping in a dorm doesn’t appeal to you. 

Plan your trip to the airport and book parking in advance 

When planning your journey to Manchester Airport, consider public transport options or taking advantage of the airport’s free drop-off facility, with regular shuttle buses offering seamless connections to the airport’s three terminals.  

For forecourt drop-off, the airport has implemented a new barrierless drop-off system, which means people pass through the terminal forecourts quicker and more smoothly, with payment made online or by phone before midnight the following day. 

Parking at the airport may well be more economical than a return taxi fare, particularly if you’re only travelling for a few days. Manchester Airport has a range of official parking options to suit all budgets – but you’ll get the best deals by booking in advance, rather than just turning up. 

Consider travelling with hand luggage only 

If you’re just going away for a couple of nights, it might just be possible to travel with hand luggage only – particularly if you’re travelling without children. This will save you time at both ends of your journey, allowing you to check in online and proceed straight to security when you arrive at the airport, giving you longer to relax in the departure lounge before catching your flight.  

Check your airline’s hand baggage size restrictions carefully to make sure you’re within the limits allowed to avoid any extra charges – and if you’re going to be travelling for city breaks regularly with a particular airline, consider buying a bag that closely matches the dimensions they will accept, allowing you to maximise the amount you can take on board. 

Pack a versatile travel wardrobe and plan for changeable weather 

If you’re trying to keep down the amount that you’re packing so that you can stick with hand luggage, choose clothes that you can mix and match to create a number of different outfits. Depending on where you’re going, the weather you experience during your city break could vary from balmy to chilly – and even in warmer destinations, temperatures will drop sharply after dark at this time of year, so make sure you take clothes that you can layer up. Wear bulkier items of clothing like jeans, hooded jackets and coats to the airport, and prioritise packing lighter items of clothing in your bag. 

Bring comfortable footwear 

You’re likely to do a lot more walking on a city break than you would in a week at the beach, exploring cobblestoned Old Towns, climbing castle walls or trekking up to hilltop viewpoints – all of which will put a strain on your feet if you’re not used to it. Take comfortable footwear with you and unless you’re planning a beach or spa day as part of your city break, leave the sandals and flip flops at home. 

Look into public transport in your destination 

While many city breakers prefer to explore their chosen destination on foot, that isn’t practical for everybody – and at the very least, you’ll need transport from and to the airport. Taxi fares may be cheaper than they are in the UK but can quickly add up if you’re hailing multiple cabs per day. Most major cities on the continent have well developed public transport links, including direct connections between their airports and their city centres – and if you look up schedules in advance, you’ll have some knowledge of where you need to go to catch a train or bus when you land – meaning you’re less likely to fall into the trap of overpaying for a taxi.  

Download offline maps 

Gone are the days when navigating a city meant picking up a paper map from a tourist information centre – but you’re still likely to be reliant on a digital one. Dodge data roaming charges by downloading offline maps to your phone before you set off. It’s possible to select an area on Google Maps and download it for use offline, and there are a number of map apps that offer this function as well. You can also save important locations as pins on the map, too – like your accommodation and places you want to visit. 

If it’s popular, book it in advance 

Even if you’re travelling off-peak, if you want to visit the Louvre, tour the Colosseum or climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa, it’s no good just turning up without a ticket. For each of these world-famous attractions, and many more, booking weeks in advance is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. You’ll find the same is true of the most popular restaurants – so if sampling the local fare forms a big part of your city trip plans, do a bit of research before you travel and book ahead if needed. 

Check out free tours and activities 

Many of the top city break spots in Europe offer free walking tours, which are a great way to acquaint yourself with a city you’ve just arrived in. You may also find that pop-up festivals, art exhibitions and museums are free to enter, so make the most of these and you’ll help keep the overall cost of your city break down. 

For Alicia McDonnell, Head of Diversity & Inclusion at Manchester Airport, success means ensuring that people from different communities and backgrounds across the airport’s catchment area have the opportunity to build a career here, and feel represented and supported in going about their work.

In this month’s edition of our Life at MAN series, as we mark National Inclusion Week, she lifts the lid on the airport’s work in this area, explains why Every Journey Matters, and shares some top tips on building your career at the airport, whatever your background.

How long have you been working at Manchester Airport?

I am fairly new to Manchester Airport. I started work here in November 2024, so still in my first year and learning lot’s every day!

What does your job involve on a typical day?

I’m focused on evolving our equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) strategy – that is a core part of my day and rightly so because it impacts every single person, team and function in the business. Essentially, I’m a bit of a people mechanic! Everyday I look under the bonnet of the organisation and find ways to make the journey smoother for everyone here, so everyone can thrive.

Why is it important for an organisation like Manchester Airport to be committed to Diversity & Inclusion, and how does everyone benefit?

Airports are a hub of diversity. Every day we connect thousands of people across the globe to an abundance of rich cultures. It’s a part of our DNA as an organisation and it’s also a business necessity because we want to be a close as possible to the passengers and communities we serve – and that means we must have a plan to attract them to the organisation, give them opportunities to fly, and of course keep them here!

What skills and training are needed for your role?

I think there isn’t a one size fits all for the skills and qualifications needed as a Diversity and Inclusion practitioner. However, I have completed my Chartered Management Institute Level 7 course in strategic approaches to EDI, I’ve become an ICF (International Coaching Federation) accredited people coach and a qualified project manager. From my time in this field, I think the essential skills and qualities you’ve got to have are strategic thinking, leading with empathy, being collaborative, influencing others, and last but not least – being a great story teller and/or panellist!

What is the most memorable thing you’ve worked on?

Creating MAG’s ‘Every Journey Matters’ Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy. The whole process enabled me to work with people right across the organisation from frontline colleagues to the airport managing director. The people here are inspirational and having diverse voices co-create our ambitions was very special.

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport?

That you can walk into the airport terminals every day and be immediately immersed into why our roles are so important. As I said before airports are very special places and if you want to feel inspired here at Manchester Airport you really don’t have to walk to far to get that hit.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone considering a career at the airport – particularly someone from a minority background?

Find yourself colleague mentors, coaches and sponsors who are going to help you navigate the organisation and help amplify your talent – and just remember we operate on diversity. It’s the backbone of who we are.

What do you like to do when you're not at work?

I love to travel, which fuels my buzz for working at the airport. Day to day though I’m a book worm and spend any spare time I have getting lost in one!

Which destination that we fly to from Manchester do you most want to visit?

It has to be New York. I’ve never been and it’s number one on my hit list.

At Manchester Airport, delivering a smooth and informed journey for our passengers is at the heart of everything we do – and that experience starts long before travellers arrive at the terminal. From travel advice and disruption updates to terminal information and customer feedback, clear and timely communication plays a vital role in how passengers engage with our airports. 

Behind the scenes, it’s Louise Hughes, Head of Customer Communications, who leads the team ensuring our customers stay informed and confident at every stage of their journey. From shaping communication strategies to responding to unexpected events, Louise works across all three of Manchester Airports Group’s airports (Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands) to keep passengers in the know. 

In this edition of our Life at MAN series, Louise shares what her role involves, the highlights of leading customer comms in a fast-paced aviation environment, and how her team helps MAG deliver a better experience for millions of passengers every year. 

How long have you been working at Manchester Airport? 

I began my journey here as an apprentice more years ago than I care to share, had a couple of years out of the industry, and then came back and have been here now for 18 years.  

What does your job involve on a typical day? 

It’s hard to describe a typical day because my role is so varied. I try to plan my week ahead, but no two days are ever the same. One moment I’m helping put together plans on how we communicate changes to our facilities or passenger journeys, and the next I’m jumping in to support the team with day-to-day queries.  

I usually start around 7:30am by checking messages that might have come in overnight. Since the airports never sleep, it’s important to stay on top of anything urgent and make sure the team, who start from 6am, have what they need. After that, I check my diary, prepare for meetings, and do my commute once the roads quieten down a bit. 

Some days I’m planning summer travel messaging, other days I’m dealing with incidents. That’s what I love most, no two days are the same. I really enjoy working with my team, who are like the virtual front line of the airport. They need to be across everything from new products to changes in the customer journey so keeping them informed is a big part of what I do. 

What skills and training are needed for the role? 

In this role, it’s really important to understand our customers and the different needs they have. It’s not just about delivering a service, it’s about knowing who they are, what matters to them, and how we can support them throughout their journey. We support a wide mix of passengers, from tech-savvy younger travellers to older customers who might need a bit more guidance. Being able to spot those differences and adapt is key. The kind of help one person needs can be completely different from someone else. It’s less about formal training and more about having the right skills, relationships, and a solid understanding of how airports work, so you can solve problems and communicate clearly 

What is the most memorable thing you’ve worked on in your time at the airport? 

My most memorable project has to be phase one of the Manchester Airport Transformation Programme. At the time, I was working as the Customer Communications Manager, so I was involved from the very first spade in the ground right through to what it’s become today, which is pretty incredible. During that time, I also had the privilege of seeing the A380 arrive and depart from Manchester Airport for the first time. I’ll never forget standing on the roof of Olympic House with colleagues, watching it come in. It was a real ‘wow’ moment.  

What should passengers do if they have feedback to share with us? 

We welcome all feedback from our passengers. If you have a comment, suggestion, or enquiry, there are several convenient ways to get in touch with us. You can reach out via our social media channels, where our team is available to respond quickly. We also have a dedicated feedback team, as well as phone and live chat lines, to ensure you can contact us in the way that suits you best. 

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport? 

There’s so much to love about working at the airport. No two days are ever the same, and even driving under the arches each morning brings a real sense of excitement, whether it’s seeing families heading off on their holidays or just the general buzz in the terminals.  

I genuinely love the environment, and I love telling people what I do. Looking after customer communications across three UK airports is a pretty amazing job. There’s a real feel-good factor and loads of job satisfaction. Honestly, I don’t think there’s a role better suited to me. 

What one piece of advice would you give to someone considering a career at the airport? 

I think the key is being passionate about what you do. You’ve got to enjoy being around people and thrive in a customer-facing role. If someone’s thinking about a career at the airport, I’d say go for it, try different things, get your foot in the door, and see where it takes you. There are so many paths here: you could become a paramedic, a firefighter, join the media team, or even end up running the airport! It’s a place full of opportunities. We’ve got apprentices, lawyers, accountants, you name it. People really do progress into all sorts of roles, so if you’re driven, there’s loads of room to grow. 

What do you like to do when you're not at work? 

I love Pilates, swimming and spending time with friends and family. I also don’t mind the occasional glass of Rosé.  

Which destination that we fly to from Manchester do you most want to visit? 

That’s a tricky one, with over 200 destinations to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start! I’ve already ticked off the classics like Greece, Spain, Italy, France, New York, and Dubai. So maybe it’s time to get a bit creative. I’m thinking of starting alphabetically and working my way through the list, which means ‘A’ destinations are up first. Maybe Albania and I have heard it’s extremely beautiful.  

What is the most unusual or interesting complaint or question you have received?  

Our team has had some pretty memorable enquiries over the years. Some would definitely make you blush, while others have involved snakes—or questions like, 'Can I take a microwave or food processor through security?' or 'How do I get an engagement ring through without spoiling the surprise?' 

We even created some social content to remind people not to leave random items in the terminal, after seeing everything from bicycles and steering wheels to an impressive number of golf clubs left behind.  

What do you do to keep your team motivated during busy travel seasons like summer holidays or Christmas.  

For me, it’s all about supporting each other. We make a real effort to share what’s going on whether it’s a good day or a tough one, and that openness helps keep us sane. Across all three airports, we’ve built a strong sense of team spirit through regular catch-ups, chatting on Teams. Creating a positive atmosphere makes a big difference, it means we lift each other up and look out for one another. 

Thankfully there is a full-time team at Manchester Airport dedicated to planning for these scenarios, considering the range of possible outcomes and impacts - and putting measures in place to mitigate them, minimising the impact on our passengers on those rare occasions when something does go amiss.

Martin Thwaites, an Emergency Preparedness Manager on the airport's Business Continuity & Resilience Team, talks us through what his role involves in this month's edition of our Life at MAN Q&A series.

How long have you been working at Manchester Airport?

I joined Manchester Airports Group (MAG) prior to the summer of 2011, and aside from a short hiatus during the Covid 19 pandemic, I have been here for over 12 years in various roles across the business.

What does your job involve on a typical day?

As an Emergency Preparedness Manager, my responsibilities range from the development of crisis response plans for critical areas of the business, dealing with a wide range of potential scenarios, to assisting operational teams with assessing the potential risks and business impact to them.

When a disruptive event occurs, sometimes these plans must be dropped for the day to support our on-call members from the Incident Management Team, which is made up of trained volunteers from various roles across the business, who coordinate our response to these kinds of events.

The team and I are also responsible for airport-wide emergency exercises and training to maintain compliance with our regulators, the Civil Aviation Authority.

Following an incident or exercise, I may host what we call a ‘Cold Debrief’ with support from the Incident Management Team and participants of an exercise, teams affected by a disruptive event, or the wider airport community. We'll discuss lessons learned, which we can then use to shape and inform improvements to our emergency plans.   

What skills and training are needed for the role?

If you have an appetite for personal development, the ability to respond effectively to developing incidents and you can build effective, meaningful working relationships whilst networking then you have the critical skills to begin a role with emergency planning.

Having operational experience of the airport, or of crisis response is an additional benefit as any skill gaps are likely covered by another member of the team, which is key to our collective success in developing each other’s understanding and expanding our knowledge along the way.

What constitutes an ‘emergency’ for the purposes of emergency and resilience planning?

We would interpret it as a situation that poses a threat to the safety of aircraft or to airport security, and ultimately, could put people at risk if we don't deal with it swiftly. That's why it is so important to have these plans in place.

As a Category 2 responder under the UK’s Civil Contingencies Act, Manchester Airport can declare a Major Incident, with our on-site Fire and Rescue team being the frontline for most incident responses, whether on the airfield or around the terminals.

What kind of training do you do with colleagues from across the operation to prepare them for potential emergency situations?

Exercises are hugely important in that they give teams across the airport a chance to familiarise themselves with the plans that are in place, especially when a process has undergone a significant change. We work with teams by exercising plans held either centrally with the Airport Control team, or locally with operational departments, and we will sometimes conduct live exercises with a realistic scenario acted out with volunteers to support the response. 

There are some scenarios that are almost impossible to replicate with a live exercise in a busy airport environment, so to prepare for these and put our plans to the test, we host table-top exercises with teams where the aim is to validate our emergency response.

Additionally, I help develop our operational Business Continuity plans, by supporting and training teams across the airport to complete their Business Impact Analysis statements.

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport?

The people, for certain. Whether it’s the friendships I’ve made over the years, through to meeting new colleagues for the first time, it’s the community that makes the airport great. I think most of us working here also have anecdotes of memorable passenger interactions that have left their impression on us too.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone considering a career at the airport?

If you have the opportunity, then do it. There are unbelievable possibilities that are open to everyone, you just have to take responsibility for your own development and embrace new challenges on the way.

Even if it’s a small gesture, like offering to share your knowledge by being an ambassador or mentor for someone unfamiliar to the operation, these commitments are noticed and before you know it, you can be leading your own team.

What do you like to do when you're not at work?

I have a few passions outside of work, including supporting the reigning 20-time Premier League Champions Liverpool FC and following every race in the F1 calendar, cheering for Lewis when I can. If I’m not taking time out watching sports, I’m a petrolhead, so I can be found attending something car related.

Which destination that we fly to from Manchester do you most want to visit?

A ticket to any of the Balearic Islands and I’ll be happy, Menorca being the only one I’ve not explored so far. The Italian Riviera is on the bucket list too, but most places within about 3 hours of flight time is probably enough air travel for me. 

Airport firefighter Oliver Kelly talks us through everything that goes into their preparation, from blue light driving to intensive fitness regimes - and explains why his cooking skills also get put to the test.

How long have you been working at Manchester Airport?

25 years now! I marked my 25th anniversary in the team on 15th May.

What does your job involve on a typical day?

My watch starts at 07:15, when my colleagues and I have a handover with the night watch and ensure our fire kit is readily available. We then have a formal watch brief, where operational and airside information is relayed to the crew. Our day then consists of testing and inspection of our equipment, cleaning and maintenance of our vehicles and putting together training schedules for our compliance training. That can be anything from aircraft fire fighting to road traffic collision training. We have a robust training schedule so each day can be very different. 

Aside from training we can be called out to respond to many incidents on our airport site. With over 1,000 call-outs last year, we are always on the move. We respond to all aircraft incidents, terminal building alarms (as well as outbuildings across the whole site), road traffic collisions and first aid emergencies. Although these are the main categories of incident we'd expect to face, we are ready to respond to any given emergency that might come up. In between all this we manage to sit down as a crew and eat a nice lunch cooked by two of the crew, feeding up to as many as 16.

Once all our routine duties are complete, we are free to work on our personal fitness in our gym. A bit of a tidy up of the station usually follows, before we welcome the night crew to take over at 19:15.

What skills and training are needed for the role?

There are many levels of skills and qualifications from basic firefighter training courses to supervisor and managerial-level courses, so it depends how far you want to progress. Blue light emergency driving and appliance-related qualifications are basic requirements for all firefighters. In terms of training, we are constantly renewing our competences in all aspects of our role within our very robust training programme, which is overseen by our training officer.

What are the differences between working for an airport Fire department and working for other Fire departments elsewhere?

I would say it's the speed and efficiency of the crews. We train to be at aircraft incidents within two to three minutes and this is where we most differ. We cover a smaller area than a regular Fire service, but we will encounter the same type of incidents, although maybe not as frequently. We do train with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service throughout the year as we adopt the same principals when approaching incidents.

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport?

As a crew we have developed a close bond and friendship over the years. We spend a lot of time together, whether it's nights, weekends, Christmas or Easter. When we are on shift we do all this together, like a second family.  You need to have a great work ethic and good sense of humour to get us through the 12 hour shifts.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone considering a career in the Manchester Airport Fire Service?

I would say give it a go. We have an apprenticeship scheme up and running, and we are currently training the next generation to move us into the future. The airport as a whole is an exciting place to work. Driving huge fire engines airside and on the runways in emergencies is something not many people get to experience, and it's a serious responsibility but also very enjoyable.

What do you like to do when you're not at work?

I always seem to have a DIY project on at home for some reason! Apart from that, I have a dog that needs my attention, so I like walks out. Myself and Kate spend a lot of our free time in the outdoors. Countryside or coast, you'll find us there in our van, and also camping over when we can. Now our 3 children are older, we are lucky to have more time to spend doing the things we love.

 Which destination that we fly to from Manchester do you most want to visit?

It has to be Las Vegas!

Millie Williams, an Airfield Security Officer, talks us through her role at a security post on the airfield perimeter, explaining how she helps navigate lorries past planes, makes the most of the great outdoors – and her favourite spot for a Continental breakfast.

How long have you been working at Manchester Airport?

I’ve been at the airport for just over 2 years, starting as a Security Ambassador in T2 before becoming an Aviation Security Officer (ASO). I have recently moved to the Airfield Security team and now work as an Airfield Security Officer.

What does your job involve on a typical day?

I’m based at the security post on Runger Lane, managing access to the airfield for construction drivers and vehicles to enter the airfield making deliveries for the Terminal Two transformation. Our team have responsibility for searching vehicles, the drivers and then escorting them across taxiways to the compound. As they are visitors to the airfield, they must be escorted.

What skills and training are needed for the role?

To qualify as an ASO you need to take a set of exams, which are refreshed annually, and you have to pass to be able to continue in the role. The skills required include being thorough and observant within all areas of our work. Communication skills are vital in the role to allow a smooth and efficient process for everybody. Good knowledge of airfield operations and problem-solving abilities are also helpful as we deal with a multitude of variables between each vehicle we process.

What are the differences between working as an airfield security officer and working as a security officer in the terminal doing passenger and baggage checks?

There are possibly too many differences to name, which may be surprising as the role sounds very similar. Inside the terminal your job consists of helping the passengers get to their destinations ensuring safety for all. This includes preparing them for security, x-raying their belongings and conducting body and bag searches. You may also deal with any unattended baggage and processing of staff such as crew and retail personnel.

Although some roles are similar on the airfield such as X-ray, bag and body searches, we also conduct vehicle searches, patrols, cargo searchers, vehicle escorts and help with aircraft emergency situations.

Your main role as a security officer is to protect the integrity of the airport and the skies, although being on the airfield means you have access to the great outdoors, which is brilliant in summer – not so much in winter!

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport?

It has to be that every day really is different. My job is nonstop, and I love that. We have a great team at Runger Lane who really do pull together to help each other out.

I also enjoy interacting with the delivery drivers and construction workers. Some of these professions mean long days with little interaction, so they really appreciate the chat and laugh they have with us.

I’m also super proud to work at the airport. I love to explain to anybody who will listen about my job and what I do. It’s always a great conversation starter as people are always interested in the airport and have many questions.

What are some of the specific challenges you face as an airfield security officer to keep the airfield open and running 24/7?

To keep the Runger Lane post open and running, efficient processing of deliveries is essential. Some of the drivers may have never been to the airport before, and some only find out they’re coming here on the day, so conducting vehicle searches promptly and guiding them through that process is a challenge!

Once the vehicle is searched we then escort it across the airfield to the Pier 2 compound, which can mean contending with aircraft movements, as the vehicles we escort are up to 100 tonnes. These are also slow-moving lorries so we have to wait for enough clearance from aircraft for ourselves and the vehicle we are escorting. We also have low visibility procedures to follow in extreme weather such as fog or snow. But the challenges involved in the job help keep things interesting!

What one piece of advice would you give to someone considering a career at the airport?

Just say yes. I love to stick to this motto and I’m yet to regret it. Every opportunity you are offered at the airport, just say ‘yes’. You never know what doors it will open and who you will meet. There is so much scope within MAG to move around and explore new career paths. I never imagined myself working on the airfield but I genuinely enjoy my job and all it has to offer.

What do you like to do when you're not at work?

Outside of work I’m a keen baker and I love to cook. My team at Runger Lane frequently get to enjoy freshly baked treats. I’m also a huge fan of Formula One. No surprise but I also love to travel. My favourite pastime whilst travelling is finding local spots for breakfast and trying to guess the menu. I found a great neighbourhood cafe in Amsterdam for a bacon and cheese pancake. I still think about it daily.

Which destination that we fly to from Manchester do you most want to visit?

I’m fascinated by America and would love to explore Texas and Louisiana. Everything from the music to the food and national parks looks amazing. It would be a dream to attend the Texas Grand Prix too.

When you depart or arrive into Manchester Airport, you might find yourself travelling across the airfield on a coach to reach your aircraft or return to the terminal. It’s perhaps not a part of your journey that you’ve given much thought to, but it’s a job that requires a great deal of training, meticulous concentration, and no shortage of skill, as Clinton – an airfield coach driver of more than 20 years – explains in this month’s edition of

How long have you been working at Manchester Airport? 

I have been working at the airport since August 2003. 

What does your job involve on a typical day? 

It begins with going through security to reach our base, which is out on the airfield. We work out of the CTAC [Customer Transport Airside Centre] hub, where I am allocated a bus at the start of my day and then complete my safety check before signing on to say I’m available for a job. 

What skills and training are needed for the role? 

So, first you will need a PSV [Public Service Vehicle] licence along with completing CPC [Certificate of Professional Competence] modules which enables you to gain a CPC licence. This allows drivers like me to carry passengers. Beyond the driving skills, you also need good people skills as you are working directly with passengers for much of the day, many of whom have just got off a long flight and are tired, so offering a bit of extra help where needed and greeting them with a smile can make a big difference to their experience here. 

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport? 

I love it all, my job, the airfield, the aircraft, everything. I especially love talking to our passengers. 

What are the differences between driving a bus on the airfield vs out on the road network 

The main difference is that on the airfield you drive a left-hand drive vehicle, as opposed to being on the road in a right-hand vehicle. There’s so much happening at once on the airfield that you must be alert at all times as you could be driving across the taxiway, where aircraft will be moving to and from the runway. 

Whereabouts on the airfield are you allowed to take the buses? 

There is a designated road system on the airfield for buses and other vehicles, and generally we are required to stick to those routes – but it has been designed to take us with ease between the aircraft and the terminal so it is helpful to have that system in place. We can take the buses onto the runway and live taxiways for events, but only when necessary and when escorted by the airfield team. 

What one piece of advice would you give to someone considering a career at the airport? 

Be prepared to not want to leave! The airport does something to you that makes you not want to leave. I can’t explain it. 

What do you like to do when you're not at work? 

I enjoy driving and I enjoy travel, so I love to jump in the car and go to explore different parts of the country but I also enjoy travelling internationally. 

Which destination that we fly to from Manchester do you most want to visit? 

I would love to travel to Orlando with Virgin Atlantic. 

Today is World Autism Awareness Day, and to mark the occasion Manchester Airport is sharing its top tips for autistic passengers and companions – along with guidance on the support available to you and where to find it.

Booking your trip

Many autistic people can find long journeys stressful, so picking a short-haul destination for a holiday may be best – and choosing a direct flight, rather than a connecting one, will help minimise any complication in getting from A to B. Manchester Airport has the most extensive route network of any airport in the UK outside London with direct flights to more than 200 destinations.

If you or your travel companion struggles with crowded spaces then try to avoid the busiest periods like the school summer holidays if you can. Some times of day are also busier than others – many think that booking an early morning flight will make for a quieter trip, but in fact the period between 6am and 8am is one of the busiest times of day at an airport. The late morning and mid-afternoon are often the least busy time to fly.

When you book your flights, make sure to carefully consider where you’re going to sit, to minimise the amount of time it will take you to get on and off the plane, and to maximise your personal space. Avoid selecting a window seat if this is likely to cause distress.

Planning your journey through the airport

Your list of packing essentials for your hand luggage may include a few extra items– you might find, for example, that earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones are a great way to help reduce stress levels in busier parts of the airport. Comfort items like a favourite stuffed toy may also help.

Given that so much of the stress of travel comes from the uncertainty of what to expect, you may find it beneficial to give an autistic companion a full run through of the airport process before arriving, and a commentary throughout. A tick list can help them visualise the different stages like check-in, bag drop, security, and boarding, and create a sense of structure, which in turn reduces stress levels. A video journey guide is available on the Manchester Airport Website.

Support in the Airport

Manchester Airport recognises the Sunflower Lanyard scheme, and these lanyards are available free of charge at the Special Assistance desk in each terminal. Wearing a Sunflower Lanyard will help staff recognise the wearer as someone who may need additional time or support. Airport colleagues are trained to recognise Sunflower Lanyards and act accordingly. Our Special Assistance team are available to offer any additional advice or support if required.

Airlines may offer use of dedicated Assistance or Priority check-in desks and allow pre-boarding onto the aircraft. At Security and Immigration, passengers with non-visible disabilities can use the Assistance Lane even when travelling independently which can reduce the wait time in these areas.

An option to bypass World Duty Free is available in each terminal which some people may prefer to avoid sensory overload in these areas which our Special Assistance team can arrange.

For those using Terminal 1, a dedicated Sunflower Room is available for those who need to break away from the noise, bright lights and crowds of the main Departure Lounge. Airport staff will help direct you to this room if needed which is located near the Airline Information Desk. Those travelling through Terminals 2 and 3 will also find quiet seating areas available.

Preparing for Security

Security checks have to be done consistently to ensure that they are effective – but security colleagues at Manchester Airport are given specific training in supporting passengers with non-visible disabilities who may find physical contact distressing. This means that if a manual search is absolutely necessary it can be conducted in private, with a chaperone, and security colleagues will allow extra time to explain to the passenger involved why they need to conduct the search, what it will involve, and answer any questions they may have. Extra time to explain the process will also be allowed when conducting a search on a cabin bag belonging to someone with a non-visible disability. A Sunflower Lanyard is a great way to give an immediate visual cue to security colleagues that they need to take this approach.

The best way to minimise the chances of a manual search for either the passenger themselves, or their cabin bag, is to ensure compliance with aviation security regulations listed on the Gov.uk website. If in any doubt over whether an item is permitted, err on the side of caution. Ensure that all of your pockets are emptied, outer layers of clothing are removed and belts are taken off before going through the body scanners – as forgetting these steps is the most common reason for a manual search or pat-down being required.

Taking medication in hand luggage

If you’re carrying liquid medication over 100ml, or sharp objects like needles or syringes, bring a prescription or doctor’s letter explaining why you require them, which can be presented to a security officer. A separate scan may be required on oversized liquids – but you are permitted to bring them through if they are prescribed to you.

Planning where to shop, eat and drink

If you have planned in some time to relax in the Departure Lounge ahead of your flight, it helps to go in with a clear plan of where you want to go and what you want to do. If you’re planning to do some shopping, or to grab a bite to eat or something to drink, you can find in-depth guides on the Manchester Airport website, including food and drink menus. The airport lounges, Escape and 1903, offer a retreat from the hustle and bustle, with a buffet and bar service included in the price.

Avoid drinking alcohol if you are a nervous flyer – it could heighten your anxiety rather than lessen it and increase the risk of feeling unwell on the plane.

"We’re proud to connect people from across the North to the places they want to travel to, but we recognise that for people with Autism, the thought of a busy airport environment might put them off booking that trip to their dream holiday destination, or to visit loved ones living far away. We’re determined that Autism and neurodivergence should not create a barrier to travel for anybody.

“We are rated ‘Good’ by the Civil Aviation Authority on Accessibility, but we want to go further than that and we are constantly striving to improve the passenger experience – including for those requiring additional support. Our £1.3bn investment in Terminal 2 has been designed with this in mind.”

Jennifer Byrne-Smith – Customer Operations Director, Manchester Airport

By Manchester Airport Managing Director Chris Woodroofe

On a Saturday earlier this month, around 45,000 people flew out of Manchester Airport. That’s a lot but it’s pretty normal for this time of year.

Among them were over a thousand people from Yorkshire, a similar number from Merseyside, as well as people from Midlands, the North East and many other parts of the UK.

Again, all pretty normal, but reflective of our role as the UK’s global gateway in North: an airport anyone in the North can call their own, from Bradford to Burnley and Salford to Sheffield.

But there was one group of passengers who really summed up what we mean when we say we are proud to connect the North.

It was a delegation of Mayors and representatives from Northern cities and regions, all coming through Manchester Airport as they headed out to showcase the region in China.

That follows a similar mission just a few days earlier to Austin, Texas, where regional Mayors and representatives from Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, Tees Valley, the North East Combined Authority and Liverpool City Region went to the South By South West  (SXSW) 2025 festival in Austin, Texas, to showcase the North of England as a hub of innovation, collaboration and creativity.

Connecting the North is at the heart of everything we do here. We connect the people of the North to the places they want to go, and we connect the region as a whole to the markets that will help accelerate its growth.

While they were out in China, the Mayoral delegation showcased the region to investors, stimulating opportunities for trade and forging partnerships that will bring growth, jobs and prosperity here to the region.

All of that is made possible by connectivity, and sits at the heart of why helping airports realise their potential has been recognised by this Government as a key enabler of growth.

For example, we know that when a route from Manchester to Beijing was first launched, export values from Manchester Airport to China grew 41% to £1.29bn and enquiries about investment in the area from China doubled in the two years that followed – and it’s missions like this that help drive that.

I’m not about to say that this group wouldn’t have been able to travel to China were it not for Manchester Airport. But we are the only UK airport outside London to offer direct flights to both Shanghai and Beijing and that means this group was able to get to China easily from an airport on their doorsteps.

And that’s something an increasing number of people are now able to do. Since 2023 the number of direct seats to China from Manchester Airport has gone up by almost 250%.

This means those they will be speaking to will not see barriers in the way if they choose to invest in the North. Combined with the vision for a high-speed east-west rail network with Manchester Airport at its heart, they will see a globally competitive economic region – an economy the size of a mid-sized European country.

That’s what connectivity is all about. We’re on a mission here to make connectivity easier and more seamless. That’s why we’re investing £1.3bn in making this airport better, through our decade long transformation programme that concludes this year.

That programme is most visible in our Terminal 2 – where the delegation flew from – with its award-winning architecture and world class facilities. But probably the most important thing about the programme isn’t what it’s doing already but what it will do in future.

Our historic investment will unlock the full potential of our two runways and help increase the number of passengers we serve each year from 30m now to 50m by 2050.

That means we can offer more flights to more places – including places we don’t serve already – and continue to connect the North to the world.

And in turn that means more missions like this can get to more places around the world and build those connections that drive growth – and put money in the pockets of people right here in the North.

That’s why being proud to connect the North isn’t just a line we say – it really matters. It isn’t just about travel, it’s about opportunities.

As a Hold Baggage Screening Team Leader, Connor Hannon oversees a group of colleagues performing a critical role, helping ensure the safety and security of the 30 million passengers that use Manchester Airport each year.

In this month’s edition of our Life at MAN series, Connor explains what goes into the role, how Hold Baggage Screening (‘HBS’) teams are trained, and where his dream holiday from Manchester Airport would take him.

How long have you been working at Manchester Airport?

I've been working at the airport for around 6 years now. I started as a Security Ambassador in the old Terminal 2, before moving into a role as a Hold Baggage Screener and then taking up my current position as a HBS Team Leader. I'm also a backfill Duty Manager.

What does your job involve on a typical day?

My typical day would start with rostering my staff members and figuring out where they will be deployed for the rest of their shifts. Then, I will be supervising the HBS operation, being there to resolve bags which need searching, which means coordinating with airlines and Airport Security. We also work closely with a number of other departments and third parties such as Flow Control, Border Force, the Police and our Engineering teams.

I'll also be available to assist with any screening assessments my team has made which require a closer look or a second opinion.  I’ll be responsible for the testing of our scanning machines and if I'm on a night shift I’ll be overseeing the daily testing of all the machines we use, both 3D and 2D, ultimately making sure all of our machines are working as they should – which is critical to the safety of our passengers and our colleagues. 

What skills and training are needed for the role?

We initially take a four-week Airport Security course and following that we do a further conversion course to make us HBS compliant, so lots of training is involved – plus regular refreshers. For my role specifically, you’d need to take an additional course due to the extra responsibilities we have as Team Leaders.

As far as skills go, I would say you need good timekeeping, people management and patience when it comes to unexpected events, what can crop up at any time.

What are the main differences between HBS security and the checks done on passengers and hand luggage?

Hold baggage is predominantly screened with 3D scanners and we've been using these machines for a long time. We are looking at bags that are going into the hold, rather than hand luggage, so we are on the lookout for dangerous goods and prohibited items, as opposed to things like liquids over 100ml which passenger security are more concerned with. 

Hold baggage services are managed by the airlines and their handling agents – how do you work with them to ensure a seamless process?

We have daily conversations and work very closely together on the planning side, which is key for the successful turnaround of bags being screened.

The deployment of staff is mainly based on the number of flights checking in, because that will dictate how many bags we need to screen. Knowing when check-in starts, which desks are in use, and how many passengers we are expecting, allows us to allocate our resources at the correct times allowing a smoother process – so communication with airlines and handling agents is key in that respect.

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport?

The thing I enjoy the most is the team I work with here at HBS. There is a real family feel about it, we all look out for each other and I've worked with the same people for years, we do an amazing job behind the scenes.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone considering a career at the airport?

There is such a variety of jobs on offer, so pick something that will fit your interests and skill set, and so long as you try your best you can achieve great heights, professionally and personally.

What do you like to do when you're not at work?

When I'm not working I like to play computer games, play guitar, make music, listen to music and I am a keen photographer too, I love taking pictures of the outdoors. I've recently been blessed with a healthy daughter so all my free time is dedicated to her now.

Which destination that we fly to from Manchester do you most want to visit?

I would love to fly to Australia, the wildlife and scenic views are enough for anybody to want to go. And most importantly it's sunny! You can get there from Manchester via one transfer with many of our Middle Eastern carriers.

Dave Naughton, a Technology Product Manager, explains how these systems are constantly developing and improving to create a seamless passenger journey – and also explains why Singapore is at the top of his travel wish list.

How long have you been working at Manchester Airport?

I’ve been here for three years now.

What does your job involve on a typical day?

As a Technology Product Manager, I manage the use of technical products and services in ‘landside’ areas of the airport, i.e. from leaving home to entering a terminal, up until you reach check-in. By technical products and services, we mean things like how we manage car park bookings, how we provide digital wayfinding for our passengers to navigate the campus, and how we manage digital assets such as cameras and barriers across our estate – but also all the systems that sit behind those and allow them to operate.

My days can be varied, I help to solve problems and find ways to improve the passenger experience by identifying processes, data, and technology areas to improve, and looking at where we can deploy technology in new ways to make passengers’ and colleagues’ lives easier.

Most days I will start by checking in with the delivery teams on progress of projects we are working on, reviewing multiple metrics to understand how the area of landside is performing, and making sure all our assets are working as they should be. I also work with our external partners who manage some of these services day-to-day, monitoring performance and planning to continually evolve and improve what they offer to our passengers and colleagues.

Looking to the longer term, I spend a lot of my time working with the airport leadership teams to understand what technological improvements they would like to see and why. My job is to then assess these needs and provide feedback on potentially suitable products that are out there in the market.

What skills are needed for the role?

A detailed understanding of the products I manage, having experience in operational leadership and day-to-day management of the landside area have really helped me to understand the need and requirements for innovative technology and technical products. To work in our team, you must be passionate about finding new, innovative ways to improve the service we offer to passengers, and be able to see the journey through the eyes of the customer, picking up on areas of improvement and understanding how people, process and technology all align.

What kinds of technology is the airport using to help improve passenger experiences, and what developments are being made on this?

There are lots of technological advancements being made in the landside areas. Currently we are working on removing the reliance on old physical servers for our car parks by moving to cloud hosted systems, which give us better performance whilst also ensuring we are always running the latest software.

A huge development has been made on how we use data, and we are now building landside dashboards that will bring together a whole host of data from various locations and then present this in a user-friendly format that can be used by our airport operations teams. We want to empower them to make proactive, data-based decisions on how to run the day-to-day airport services that passengers rely on, and this approach will help them spot potential issues arising much earlier, maybe even before they occur.

How has the use of technology at the airport changed in your time working here?

I feel that the use of data is much more prominent these days. It is human nature to do things the way you’ve always done them – however, we now have such vast amounts of data available to us that we can start to think differently and be more data-led. We can be smarter and predict what is going to happen, when, where and maybe even why! Having the ability to see data in a user-friendly way rather than huge Excel files, or downloads, makes it much more accessible and means we can support the teams on the ground to run the airport in a smooth, efficient way, which ultimately benefits our passengers.

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport?

I thrive on the environment, all the hustle and bustle, there is never a dull day! From talking through concepts right through to large scale civil works, I get to see the outcome of my work, and there’s a lot of job satisfaction from that. I am also very fond of looking over the airfield whilst eating lunch, thinking about where our next family holiday could be.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone considering a career in the aviation industry?

Working in the aviation industry is incredibly rewarding. Aviation is a vital part of the UK’s national infrastructure, so naturally with that comes a lot of job opportunities. A career in aviation can take you down so many paths – you can choose to build an expertise in one field or be very rounded in many fields. A solid skillset of good customer service, teamwork and collaboration, combined with a desire to learn and grow, will give you a great standing in anything from technology to commercial, or airport operations to retail – the sky is the limit (pun intended!)

What do you like to do when you're not at work?

Family days out, walks with the dogs and as much time on the golf course as possible – even in winter!

Which destination that we fly to from Manchester do you most want to visit?

I have always wanted to visit Singapore, it looks truly amazing. Many years ago, my uncle led on the network and infrastructure of the mass rapid transit system there, so it would be cool to see that!

Around 320,000 people are expected to travel from Manchester Airport between Friday 14 and Monday 17 February, and many of these will be couples enjoying some time away together.

If you’re planning your first trip abroad with your special someone, there are some things you should consider before you book. Here we run through half a dozen top tips to get your next adventure off to the right start.

Agree a budget

When you’re travelling on your own, or even with friends or family, and you book accommodation and plan excursions and activities, your plans are shaped by what you can afford – but unless you’re planning on paying for your other half as a romantic gesture, you’ll need to consider what their budget might be for the trip as well.

It might be that your partner is someone who is happy to fly at a less convenient time of day or tighten spending on accommodation in order to save extra money for nice meals out or exploring your destination – or alternatively, they might want to prioritise finding the right romantic bolthole for your trip and be less concerned if this means cutting back on tours and activities.

Making sure you’re both on the same page on budgets will avoid arguments and ensure you both have the same expectations from your trip – and will also give you a bit of insight on what your other half values in a travel companion!

Choosing where to go

A first trip abroad with your partner is an exciting experience wherever you choose to go – but you won’t be short of options when you’re making that decision if you decide to fly from Manchester Airport, with its network of over 200 destinations served by more than 50 airlines.

If your priority is sun, sea and sand, there are some incredible beach destinations on offer – from longstanding favourites like Mallorca, Tenerife and Corfu, to emerging hotspots like Montenegro, Crete, and Egypt’s Red Sea coastal resorts of Hurghada and Sharm-el-Sheikh, where luxury accommodation and high-quality restaurant meals remain very affordable.

Perhaps your other half prefers a bit of culture – and you’ll find no shortage of that in classic romantic break destinations like Paris and New York. Other favourites with direct flights from Manchester Airport include Pisa, with its iconic Leaning Tower and the surrounding rolling hills of Tuscany, and Barcelona, with dreamy architecture, tapas bars and cafes.

Alternatively, a romantic adventure might mean escaping into nature. Maybe you’re attracted by the charm of the Swiss Alps or the Italian Lakes – both within easy reach of quaint cities like Geneva and Milan, with direct flights from Manchester. Or perhaps awe-inspiring wildernesses appeal more to you – in which case, you might want to take a look at Iceland, with thermal hot springs and natural spas, stunning landscapes and the Northern Lights.

If a love if nightlife is something that you and your partner share, classic destinations like Ibiza, Prague and Budapest would all make for a great city break – but other places to consider with direct flights from Manchester might include Berlin, Riga, or even Las Vegas.

Share a car – and packing space

If you live separately, don’t drive separately to the airport if you can avoid it – you’ll save money and hassle by staying at your partner’s place the night before, or vice versa, and sharing the journey to the airport. This has the added benefit of allowing you to combine your packing – there’s no sense in paying for two half-empty hold bags when you could put everything together in one suitcase!

Plan where to eat and relax pre-flight

You can find detailed information on Manchester Airport’s website about its range of café, bar and restaurant options in each terminal, including menus. Options include local favourites like Archie’s and San Carlo, high street and fast food eateries like Burger King, Barburrito and Pret a Manger, and pubs like the Amber Alehouse by Seven Bro7hers and The Grain Loft.

If you want to add a touch of extravagance to a surprise getaway, Aether offers a private terminal experience – with complimentary food and drink from award-winning chef, Adam Reid, sweeping airfield views from the lounge, a private security screening with no queueing necessary, and a chauffeur-driven ride to your aircraft. Aether packages start from £90pp.

Couples’ travel insurance could save you money

Taking out separate travel insurance policies is likely to set you back more than chipping in to a combined couples’ policy. It’ll mean you’re both also fully across what each of you is covered for – which can make things easier to support your other half if you do find yourselves needing to use the policy.

Take lots of photos – but not for Insta!

Your first trip abroad together as a couple is the perfect time to fill your memory bank for years to come. Take lots of photos, but don’t worry too much about creating the perfect Instagram story or impressing people back home – focus on having fun and getting to know your partner better, and in years to come when you look back on the photos, those will be the memories that are the most important to you!

Business travel is very different to leisure travel, however, and if you’ve got an upcoming business trip from Manchester Airport your thoughts are probably already moving towards what you need to pack, how you’ll get through the airport quickly and smoothly, and the best quiet spots for an hour or two of relaxation ahead of your flight, where you can perhaps fire off a few emails.  

In our guide to travelling for business from Manchester Airport, we’ll unpack all of this and more – so wherever you’re going, you can be assured of arriving well rested and well prepared. 

What to pack 

Beyond the obvious travel essentials (you won’t be going anywhere if you forget to pack your passport!) you’ll want to make sure you’ve packed a mix of formal and informal wear, so you’re well set for client meetings and conferences but also any down time you’re hoping to get. Don’t forget chargers for all of your electronic devices (phones, laptops and tablets) as well as a travel adaptor and power bank, so you can boot up your documents on the go wherever you are – and consider bringing some earplugs with you so you can assure yourself of a good night’s sleep. 

Which class of ticket is best for me? 

Business class got its name for a reason – it affords you the space, comfort and flexibility to work if you want to – but if you’re only travelling a short distance you might find you don’t need it and can save some money by flying on a standard ticket. A flight to Amsterdam, for example, will only take just over an hour from Manchester, so by the time you’ve booted up your laptop to start reviewing your presentation, you won’t get that long to look at it before it’ll be time to put your tray table up again!  

If you’re travelling long-haul, though, you might find a first-class ticket actually offers you the best value for money. Priority check-in, security and boarding are usually included, so you can get settled in while others are still taking their seats – and lounge access will normally be thrown in too, ensuring a relaxed and convenient journey through the airport with a guaranteed quiet spot to sit pre-flight. With many airlines, your first class seat is in a private booth or cabin and folds into a fully flat bed, so you can arrive well rested if you’re flying overnight. It’s worth being aware that different airlines categorise their classes differently – so some may not offer something called ‘first-class’ but will offer an enhanced business-class, while others may offer a premium version of their standard class tickets that include some extras that could be useful to a business traveller.  

Parking 

When you’re booking parking for a business trip, your primary consideration is likely to be convenience. Manchester Airport offers a range of official parking products – and the Meet & Greet option allows you to drop your car at the terminal you’re flying from, where it will be valet parked for you and returned to you to collect when you arrive back. If you’d prefer to keep hold of your keys, the multi-storey car parks at each of the three terminals are just a couple of minutes’ walk from check-in. 

Airport lounges 

If you’re travelling business-class or first-class you’ll likely find that your lounge booking is already taken care of, but if not, access to the lounges at Manchester Airport can be booked separately. All three terminals at Manchester Airport offer an Escape Lounge, from £31.99 per person – accessible up to three hours before your flight departure. Escape gives you cosy corners if you want to sit back and relax, social areas if you want to chat, or private spaces if you want to plug in and work. It also boasts a complimentary bar and buffet food service. The 1903 lounge in Terminal 2 offers a more opulent experience, with food cooked to order or a premium buffet and self-service drinks selection, and sweeping airfield views. 1903 can be booked from just £50.99 per person. 

Aether – Manchester Airport’s new private terminal 

If you’re looking to start your trip as smoothly as possible, and with a touch of luxury, look no further than Aether – Manchester Airport’s private terminal. Opened last year, Aether unpicks the airport journey and redesigns it to deliver an experience that is uncomplicated, seamless and enjoyable. After arriving and checking into a private lounge, you can enjoy a menu crafted by award-winning chef, Adam Reid, and when your flight is ready to board, you’ll be called forward and escorted through a private security check with no queuing necessary. You’ll then be chauffeur-driven across the airfield to your aircraft. Aether packages start from £90 per person. 

TimeSlot and Fast Track 

If you’re travelling from Terminal 3, you now have a user-friendly way to expedite your journey through the airport. TimeSlot takes the stress out of airport security by allowing you to pre-book a 15-minute slot, giving you peace of mind that you’ll get through to the departure lounge in good time ahead of your flight. Better still, unless you’re booking at certain peak times, the TimeSlot service is free of charge. 

Another option to get through the security process quickly and smoothly is Fast Track, which allows you to use a dedicated VIP lane and starts from £5.50 per person. A Fast Track lane is also available for passport control on your return journey, from £15 per person. 

Pre-booking taxis 

When you return from your business trip, you’ll probably have either some work or some sleep to catch up on – or both! If you got a taxi to the airport, consider pre-booking a taxi for your return trip to ensure a speedy getaway. Street Cars operates an official taxi service at Manchester Airport, and monitors flight times, which means no need to worry if you’re delayed – your booking will be adjusted accordingly, at no extra charge. 

Airport hotels 

If you’re arriving back late, or travelling out early, you might want to stay over at one of the airport hotels. The Radisson Blu is conveniently located for Terminal 2, accessed directly via the ‘SkyLink’ bridge between the terminal and the airport train station. The Holiday Inn and ibis budget are also directly opposite Terminal 2. The Clayton Hotel, Crowne Plaza and DoubleTree by Hilton are all walking distance from Terminals 1 and 3. 

Manchester Airport’s Resilience Team plays a vital role in keeping the airport running, whatever challenges are thrown our way. The team is trained in supporting colleagues in multiple roles across the airport operation, so they can jump in and help wherever an extra pair of hands is needed.

Diana Tylus, a Multi-skilled Operative in the Resilience Team, talks us through what’s involved – from training to a typical day in the life.

How long have you been working at Manchester Airport?

I joined the team in March 2023, so coming up for 2 years.

What does your job involve on a typical day?

I am a Multi-Skilled Operative, predominantly providing customer service and support dynamically throughout the airport including immigration, the baggage reclaim hall, check in, and the departure lounge areas.

I also assist with the hold baggage operation, ensuring guests’ luggage is placed on the correct flight in accordance with Civil Aviation Authority guidelines and on time.

I am often involved with Airside teams driving on the apron, including escorting construction staff on and off site and complying with all safety processes.

Other roles I might be asked to perform include audits of aircraft parking stands, ensuring safety and regulatory requirements are fulfilled, and assisting and acting as Team Leader during the temporary check-in procedure when required.

Additional tasks include assisting security with non-regulated tasks during periods of high demand, parking customers’ cars in the drop-and-go parking facility and assisting with temporary passenger routings across the site whilst the airport undergoes its transformation project. So there’s a wide mix and it’s never dull!

What skills and training are needed for the role?

Great communication, along with a polite, helpful and professional attitude, and being a driven and flexible worker are all key, as you’ll need to be confident enough to throw yourself into the varied daily tasks.

In terms of training, we are fully trained to drive on the airfield, operate in the baggage halls and even drive baggage transport vehicles. We have specific training plans and refreshers to keep us compliant in these elements of the job.

Our training platform is unique due to our varied role day-to-day, but we work collaboratively with each department and have an insight into lots of different roles across the business, and we receive the relevant training so we can assist those teams in whatever way is necessary.

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport?

I love the variety of work and the challenges of the role, with a range of daily requirements, and the diversity of our team means I also get to work with a real mix of people and personalities. I enjoy interacting with MAG staff and customers of the airlines and airport on a daily basis, helping make their journeys smoother, which is really rewarding.

What is the most memorable thing you've worked as part of the Resilience Team?

One of the things I remember most clearly is our response to an IT outage in October 2023. The airport’s website was unavailable for a period and we were supporting right across the airport, ensuring passengers were taken care of, they were directed to where they needed to go, and their welfare was prioritised, plus baggage was manually processed to minimise any disruption passengers might have faced as a result. I was really pleased to be able to support our customers, and my colleagues and myself all worked extremely hard as a team to ensure everything went smoothly. It’s a great example of what the Resilience team brings to the airport.

What one piece of advice would you give someone considering a career at the airport?

There is always a lot of information on the MAG careers site, where you will be able to find out more about the live job opportunities and make an informed decision on what role is the best match for you.

What do you like to do when you're not at work?

I enjoy regular walks in the country, hiking, the gym, good food, and experiencing new countries and cultures when I get chance to travel abroad.

What destination that we fly to from Manchester do you most want to visit?

Thailand. TUI operates a flight to Phuket from Manchester and I’d love to go. 
 

Airport colleagues do all they can to help passengers and people in our neighbouring communities get into the festive spirit, through schemes like gift donations, yuletide choirs, and a partnership with the charity Childflight. But they can’t do all of this alone.

In this festive edition of our monthly Life at MAN Q&A, we speak to a very special guest – a long-serving partner of the airport, who has been working with our colleagues to spread Christmas cheer for more than eight decades.

He talks us through how he juggles these important responsibilities with a full-time job overseeing a toy factory and still makes time for a round-the-world trip once a year.

How long have you been working at the airport and what does your job involve?

I’ve been here since the very beginning, although in truth I am something of a seasonal worker.

At the airport, as in my day job, I have a wide range of responsibilities, but all of them have the same purpose – bringing a bit of joy to people at the most wonderful time of the year.

What skills are needed for the role?

You’ve got to have good organisational skills, and good navigational skills, as there’s a lot of ground to cover in a short space of time. Those of you who follow me on Flightradar each year will know it’s no mean feat.

I’m lucky to be supported by a very good team though, both at the toy factory I run in Lapland, and here at Manchester Airport, where airport colleagues gather up children’s letters and hand out gifts on my behalf. Being a team player who looks out for others is a fantastic quality to have, and it’s also a great way of keeping yourself off my naughty list.

You’ve also got to be adaptable – no-one has a chimney anymore.

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport?

It’s fantastic to work with such a warm and friendly team who all share my passion for bringing a smile to people’s faces, along with my love of travel.

It’s lovely to get the chance to meet so many of you in person too as you travel through the terminal, and to help make amazing Christmas memories for so many young people.

You collaborate with airport colleagues to spread Christmas cheer – what have you got planned this year?

Well, nearly 20,000 of you will be flying over to Lapland to visit me, so that will keep me busy – but I understand not everyone is able to get to Lapland and I’m also looking forward to coming to Manchester and visiting you.

I’ll be paying a few visits to the airport this year, on Thursdays and Fridays between now and Christmas, to check up on the elves who are working in my Grotto in the T1 Little Flyers Zone. Do pop in and say hello if you’re passing through – it’s a fun, interactive play space that is totally free for passengers to use. If you miss me, though, leave a letter for me in the ‘Letters to Santa’ post box. The elves will send it on to me, and I will write back to you.

I’m also teaming up with airport colleagues and Childflight again this year to surprise some very special young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, who will be getting on an aeroplane for the first time, in search of me! This is a great initiative that has been running for over a decade now and has created lifelong memories for over 1,000 children. I visit the children mid-flight, and parking my sleigh on top of a moving plane is a real test of my piloting abilities, which helps me blow off the cobwebs before Christmas Eve.

Do also look out for me at the Panto at Wythenshawe Forum, where I’ll be greeting young people from local schools and community groups who the airport have donated tickets to.

Colleagues from the airport have been nearly as busy as my elves this year in creating a workshop of their own. They’re gathering thousands of pounds worth of gifts through their Giftmas campaign, which are being donated for distribution at community centres, community cafes, care homes, sheltered housing and schools. They are aiming to make sure no child in the airport’s neighbouring communities wakes up without a present to unwrap this Christmas.

Do you have any advice for passengers travelling over Christmas?

Make sure you leave plenty of time for your journey to the airport, as the road and rail networks aren’t as resilient to the wintry weather as Dasher, Dancer, Rudolph and co.

Keep an eye on flight updates from your airline, and also keep in mind that airport security rules apply just as much at this time of year as any other time. Make sure you’re not packing items with more than 100ml of liquid in your hand luggage, like large snow globes or cartons of egg nog.

Please also avoid putting any wrapped presents in your hand luggage. If security colleagues can’t see what’s inside, they might need to unwrap them, and they don’t want to be Grinchy this Christmas!

Which destination that we serve from Manchester do you most want to visit?

Lots of people continue to visit me in Lapland into January, but after the Christmas season is over, I am always desperate to escape my toy factory and take a break in the sunshine. By February I’ll be on the beach in Barbados, getting my annual dose of Vitamin D.

What do you like to do when you’re not at work?

As you may be aware, I have nine pet reindeer who take up a lot of my time all year round, and so does working on blueprints for new toys – I’ve already got big plans for 2025. Aside from that, I unwind by listening to the Arctic Monkeys, Snow Patrol, and Michael Buble.

Naturally, you’ll want to get through check-in and security as quickly as possible, so your holiday can really begin – but some for some passengers, their getaway never even gets off the ground because they’ve forgotten to renew their passport, or they find themselves shelling out more than they’d bargained for due to overpacking their bags.

Manchester Airport has put together this one-stop guide to checking in for your flight, highlighting some of the most common pitfalls and sharing hints and tips to help get your journey off to a smooth start.

When to arrive

The check-in process is managed by your airline, rather than the airport, so guidance differs here – but as a general rule, you will need to have checked in and be ready to go through security at least two hours before your flight departure time. For a long haul flight, you might want to consider arriving up to three hours before departure.

Always check your airline’s advice on when to arrive – most will send you an email in the days leading up to your flight which will offer guidance on this and other topics.

Finding your check-in desk

Before you set off for the airport, the first and most important step is to make sure you’re headed to the right terminal – and this will again depend on the airline you’re flying with. You can find information on which terminal your airline flies from at www.manchesterairport.co.uk/flight-information/which-terminal/.

On arrival at the airport, locate one of the departure boards to find out which check-in desks you need – these are displayed on digital screens in the check-in hall.

After you’ve checked in, it is advisable to go to security straight away, to maximise the amount of time you have to relax and prepare for your flight in the departure lounge.

Self-service check-in

The distinctive lime green self-service check-in machines are located throughout the terminals at Manchester Airport, offering you a hassle-free way of checking in at no extra cost. The quick and easy to use machines help to eliminate queues, allowing you to confirm your booking and print your boarding card in no time at all.

If you have baggage, you can then take it to a bag drop, or if you only have hand baggage you can proceed straight to security.

Online check-in

Online check-in offers you the ability to check yourself in from the comfort of your own home, or on the go – although be aware that a printer may be required, depending on your airline’s policy. Once you get to the airport, if you have baggage you can take it to the bag drop, or if you only have hand baggage you can proceed directly to security.

Be aware that some airlines charge for checking in at the airport if you have failed to do so online prior to your arrival.

Express check-in

You can get through the airport quicker with the help of our self-service Express Check-in kiosks. User-friendly touch screen kiosks help to eliminate queues and hassle, enabling you to check-in and print your own boarding card in no time at all. Self check-in kiosks are located within the departures areas of Terminals 1, 2 and 3.

There are five simple steps to using the Express check-in kiosks;

-        Identify yourself by entering your passport, credit card or e-ticket number;

-        Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm your booking;

-        Print and collect your boarding card;

-        If you have bags, drop them off at one of the special bag drop desks (follow the signs to locate your nearest bag drop kiosk);

-        Proceed directly to security.

Twilight Bag Drop

Passengers travelling with eligible airlines (including Virgin Atlantic, TUI, Lufthansa, Jet2.com, Ryanair and easyJet) can drop their bags off at the airport the night before they fly – and can now benefit from free parking at one of the airport car parks to do so.

Simply take a token at the entry barrier and proceed to check-in and drop off your bags. Attend the ticket desk with your boarding pass and car park token to validate your token. Return your token at the exit barrier when you leave the car park, and the barrier will rise.

Accessibility

Passengers requiring accessibility services will find plenty of help available to check-in at Manchester Airport. 

Find out more about accessibility at Terminal 1 Check-in A
Find out more about accessibility at Terminal 1 Check-in B
Find out more about accessibility at Terminal 2 Check-in
Find out more about accessibility at Terminal 3 Check-in

Paul Edwards is a driver for the Meet and Greet service, and here he explains what goes into the job, lets us in on his favourite cars to drive - and explains why Greece is top of his travel wishlist.

How long have you been working at Manchester Airport?

I started work as a driver at Manchester Airport back in 2022, after leaving my old job as an IT Network Manager.

What does your job involve on a typical day?

A typical day can vary greatly depending on which terminal we’re assigned to, whether that's T1, T2, T3, or the Drop and Go service which serves all three terminals. However, using T1 as an example, the job usually involves several key tasks. We transport customers' cars from the T1 yard to a couple of secure storage car parks, one of which is just a 2-minute drive away, and the other less than 10 minutes away. On the yard itself, we meet customers as they park, guide them on where to check in, and help them find the departures area in the airport. This mix of driving and customer interaction keeps the day dynamic and engaging.

Drop and Go is a self-contained multi storey car park and the passengers park on level 2, from where we move the cars to other floors according to capacity, but this time they stay within the car park and only move up and down the levels, so this equates to more movements per hour for each driver.

What skills and training are needed for the role?

Being a good and safe driver is essential, especially when you’re responsible for driving passengers’ cars. This is a skill that the training department looks for when hiring new drivers, and it’s not something you can learn on the job. You need to have these skills before joining the M&G team. Brendan and Brian from the training team do a fantastic job of bringing new drivers on board and familiarising them with what is required. 

However, one skill that is equally important is customer service. As a driver, you interact with passengers daily, providing parking advice, directions, and other assistance. Clear communication and a friendly demeanour are crucial. A smile can make a big difference in creating a positive experience for our passengers.

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport?

There are many things I enjoy about my job, but the team I work with is a standout. We have a diverse mix of backgrounds, making each working day a pleasure. Whether it’s sharing a laugh, having a joke, or just a good chat, the camaraderie is fantastic.

The company values, which everyone at the airport adheres to, are evident from the top down through all the teams. This creates a sense of being valued and gives you a good feeling about working for an employer who genuinely cares for its staff. Every aspect is taken care of, from pastoral support to occupational health, and many other things in between.

Meeting and greeting passengers is another highlight. Helping them find the right terminal and being the smiling face that they see when they drop off or pick up their car makes their experience more enjoyable and it's always a nice feeling to know you've contributed to that.

If I leave my car with M&G, where will you take it to and how do you ensure it’s securely stored while I’m away?

Every driver handles the cars with utmost care. We transport them to three secure lockup car parks, all monitored by CCTV and secured with gates accessible only to our staff. These car parks are regularly checked and audited to ensure the cars are parked correctly and safely.

All the car parks are within a few minutes of the pickup yard, so the cars are not driven long distances. Once parked, they remain untouched until they are brought back for the passengers to pick up.

As drivers, we recognise how much a car means to its owner, so we handle each vehicle with the same care and respect as we would with our own. Because drivers are human and there are thousands of car movements every single day, accidents do very occasionally happen, but we have a robust system in place to deal with these incidents. We will investigate fully to see what can be done to avoid a repeat, and affected passengers will be notified of any damage and reimbursed for any repairs.

What kinds of vehicles have you driven as a M&G driver?

I’ve driven every make you can imagine, from the big Ford Rangers to the smallest cars. However, two cars stand out for me: one is my dream car, and the other left me in awe.

My dream car is the Bentley Bentayga. It’s like driving on air, and I’ve been fortunate enough to drive three of them so far. But the real awe came when I drove the high-end Aston Martin DB11. It’s an amazing car, and the roar when you start it up made me jump. Obviously we only drive short distances and at low speeds, but as a car lover it's still a wonderful experience to get behind the wheel of one of these vehicles.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone considering a career at the airport?

Make the leap and join us—you won’t regret it! This is a fantastic place to work, with employers who genuinely care about their workforce. Explore the role you’re interested in and make an inquiry. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain.

What do you like to do when you're not at work?

Spending time with my family is incredibly important to me. My son recently got married and is starting a new chapter in his life with an amazing wife who is the perfect match for him. I also cherish the time spent with my wife, who is the Education Manager at Manchester Airport, working on our outreach programme in schools and the AeroZone education centre. 

Another passion of mine is metal detecting, which I am absolutely addicted to. I love uncovering pieces of history and have found some incredible coins dating back to 1280.

Which destination that we fly to from Manchester do you most want to visit?

We love going on holidays, usually at least three times a year, with the Greek islands being our favourite destination. The small islands are just amazing, and we’ve visited 28 so far - so it would be great to see some more of them, and you can fly to many of them directly from Manchester.

If you're interested in becoming one of Manchester Airport's Journey Makers,  visit mag-careers.com.

How long have you been working at Manchester Airport?

I have been working at Manchester Airport for two years now.

What does your job involve on a typical day?

My role is about helping to create great travel experiences for people with reduced mobility. A typical day involves assisting passengers that require special assistance to navigate the airport; including helping them to check in, to go through security and board their plane. In arrivals, I collect passengers with reduced mobility and assist them through the immigration process. 

What skills are needed for the role?

The most important skills needed for this role include a comprehensive understanding of airport operations and procedures, training in moving and handling ‘PRM’ passengers and a strong awareness of disabilities and other factors that may impact a passenger's ability to travel independently. Most importantly, exceptional people skills and sense of empathy are essential for providing compassionate and effective assistance.

What is a PRM passenger?

PRM stands for passengers with reduced mobility; a person requiring assistance at the airport. The needs of each passenger varies greatly. Some wheelchair users may require a minimum of two staff and extra equipment such as a sling and aisle chair while others may have sight and hearing difficulties and require assistance despite being able to mobilise independently. Likewise, some passengers have hidden disabilities such as autism and require our expertise to navigate the airport.

What kinds of equipment do you work with to help get PRM passengers on their journeys safely?

Equipment that I regularly use in my job include staxi chairs, a type of transport chair which are provided by the airport; pro move slings which enable us to transfer or reposition a passenger with reduced mobility from a wheelchair. We also use eagle hoists to assist passengers on an aircraft as well as aisle chairs.

What advice would you give to a passenger with a disability planning a trip through the airport?

Always prebook the assistance you require. This ensures we can be readily available to assist you from the moment you arrive at our assistance point. If this is not possible then try to check in at the landside assistance point as soon as possible and we will assist you through security and onto your plane smoothly. My other advice would be to share as much as possible with your assistance staff. For example, if stairways are difficult to manage to board an aircraft, let us know and we can arrange alternative transport for you such as an Ambulift, which is a vehicle designed to assist with boarding.

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport?

My job keeps me very active and allows me to connect with passengers and staff from all over the airport which I love, but most of all it’s meeting new people every day from all walks of life. I enjoy chatting to them and making their journey easier. I find it very fulfilling knowing that I have made a difference. Last year, our team won the One ABM Award, in recognition of the outstanding achievements the team had delivered over that year. That makes me incredibly proud.

The award came after our team experienced the busiest month in its history last summer, with more passengers than ever before travelling with assistance requirements. Despite the increased footfall, we met 98% of our pre-booked passengers within ten minutes of arrival.

What’s the most challenging part of the role?

Probably when a delay or cancellation might occur. It can be frustrating for the passenger and extra stress for them so it’s just helping them through that and helping to reduce worry as much possible.

Would you recommend working at the airport?

Absolutely. Being a Customer Care Agent provides you with so many people skills which can be transferred across such a variety of roles. 

What do you like to do when you’re not at work?

I like to be outdoors, go on walks, and travel so you’ll still find me at the airport!

Which destination that we fly to from Manchester do you most want to visit?

It would have to be Montego Bay ……or Las Vegas!

If you are, here are some of the most important things to remember, and some of the most common pitfalls to avoid. 

Don’t pack anything essential – e.g. medication or important documents  

Packing essential items such as medication or documents into your hold luggage will mean you don’t have them to hand on the plane in the event you need them. Keeping them with you will ensure you’re prepared for any eventuality if things don’t go to plan and your flight is delayed, or your hold luggage is delayed in reaching your destination. 

Securely wrap anything that is breakable 

When packing, make sure anything breakable is well protected. Using a soft-padded material or bubble wrap to encase them, or even just wrapping breakable items in clothing, can create a cushion to protect these items on your suitcase’s journey.  

Always stay with your luggage 

If you find yourself with some time to wait before you can check your bag in, you might be tempted to leave the check-in hall to grab a bite to eat or to freshen up – but whatever you do, don’t leave your bag behind. Leaving your suitcase unattended can result in it going missing, or even worse, it could spark a security alert. Keep your luggage with you and in your line of sight at all times until you’ve checked in.

Take a photo to help locate it at the other end if needed 

Taking a photo of your group’s luggage can help you to locate your suitcases at the baggage carousel, as it’ll remind you how many bags your party is travelling with and what they all look like – which can be surprisingly easy to forget if you’re travelling with a large family and have just had a long journey. If your bag was to go missing, sharing the picture of your bag with the airline may also increase your chances of recovering it. 

Add a distinguishing feature to your suitcase 

Many people travel with similar-looking suitcases, so adding a distinguishing tag can ensure you don’t pick up the wrong suitcase and can prevent anyone from picking up your luggage. Putting a bright or colourful tag onto your suitcase will help you to spot it from a distance. 

Lock your suitcase with a padlock

Airport security will scan your hold luggage before it is loaded on the plane, but can see what is inside without needing to open it – which means so long as you have packed your bag correctly, there is no reason anyone should need to open it up. Securing it with a padlock will prevent anyone from accessing the contents your bag unless they have a legitimate reason to do so.

Cerys Hughes, a Social Media Executive at Manchester Airport, is part of a three-person, in-house team that does just that. Here, she talks us through how she comes up with new ideas, getting up close to the giants of the skies, and recreating the glitz and glamour of New York in her living room.

How long have you been working at Manchester Airport?

I have been working at Manchester Airport for nine months now.

What does your job involve on a typical day?

My day-to-day routine changes according to the business's requirements and the current events worldwide. My primary tasks include creating content, editing it, managing our social media inbox, analysing the performance of our channels, and generating innovative ideas for various projects.

What skills are needed for the role?

Communication plays a vital role in all aspects of my job. Effective communication is essential. It's involved when expressing your thoughts and ideas to the team, collaborating with brands, and organising filming activities. But what truly sparks excitement and inspiration is the role of creativity. As social media professionals, you are the creative minds behind the content, constantly coming up with new ideas that captivate our audience. Finally, confidence is a crucial skill for this job. As social media professionals, you must be confident enough to direct your gaze behind the camera to ensure your vision is created and to go in front of the camera when needed.

What’s the most exciting thing you’ve created social media content for at Manchester Airport?

I get most excited about creating content on the airfield. It is the most exciting part of the job because we get to go places and see things that not everyone has the opportunity to experience. It feels like a privilege and is also super fun and educational. I was thrilled when I got the chance to film the landing of the A380 up close.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve had to do whilst creating content for Manchester Airport?

The strangest thing I have done in my role was to feature in the Christmas campaign, where the team used my apartment and my dog. We had to pretend that my Manchester City Centre apartment was a New York City apartment. It was strange having an entire film crew in my living room.

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport?

My Team! I love the team I am a part of at MAG. Work takes up a significant portion of our lives, and being part of a team where everyone is friendly and supportive is fantastic. I never worry that my ideas will be judged, and we genuinely have a great time together.

Would you recommend working at the airport?

I would recommend working at the airport. Speaking to anyone here, I think you realise how much people enjoy the environment. People enjoy coming to work and honestly care about the airport's success. I am also part of the LGBTQ+ community and love how diverse MAG is and how comfortable I felt when joining to express my sexuality to colleagues.

What do you like to do when you’re not at work?

In my free time, I enjoy taking my dogs for walks around Manchester. I live in the city centre and constantly discover new places during my walks. Additionally, I am currently learning Spanish, as my family resides in Spain.

Which destination that we fly to from Manchester do you most want to visit?

I would love to fly to Barbados. I love the ocean and it would be a dream to swim in those crystal blue seas.

As a Backfill Customer Experience Duty Manager, Ethan Ferguson has an interesting and varied role. He explains his day to day responsibilities and shares what it was like meeting a celebrity he admires during a VIP meet and greet...

How long have you been working at Manchester Airport?

I’m still relatively new to the airport, joining in September 2023. I started with MAG as a Customer Experience Ambassador before taking on the additional responsibility of a Backfill Customer Experience Duty Manager (CEDM) in January.

What does your job involve on a typical day?

My role means I can manage either Terminals 1, 2, or 3, so each day can vary. Based on this I will receive a handover from the previous Duty Manager outlining any key events or information I need for my shift. Next I like to take some time to walk around the terminal and touch base with my team and our airlines/handling agents. My day is then influenced by planned events such as facilitating VIP meet and greets, responding to emergencies within the terminal and overseeing our arriving and departing flights. Each shift I will report to our Airport Duty Manager and other stakeholders, informing them of how the operation is running and any anticipated issues or anything to note across the remainder of the shift.

My priority is ensuring our passengers have the very best experience when travelling/arriving through the airport. This means you can often find me at crucial passenger touch points such as check-in, the departure lounge and immigration, ensuring everything runs smoothly and helping our passengers with any issues. 

What skills are needed for the role?

As a CEDM you can very quickly become busy with the management of the operation, so being organised is essential to staying on top of the workload. Furthermore, remaining calm and measured is vital when dealing with disruption or attending incidents. Finally, being a good communicator is valuable, whether within the team we manage, with passengers or with the wider airport community.

Most importantly, being resilient is critical; sometimes the role can be demanding with many people looking to you for answers, so remaining resilient and positive makes a real difference.

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport?

I love how dynamic working at the airport is. I can come to work and each day will be different. Working at the UK's third busiest airport means something is always going on; for example, in November, I took part in a runway run, running down one of our runways whilst raising money for our brilliant charities was quite the experience!

The people you encounter also make the airport a unique place to work, not only within my team or MAG but also among the many people you encounter daily. There’s a rewarding sense that everyone works together to provide the best possible passenger experience through Manchester Airport.

Who’s the most famous person you’ve met whilst doing VIP meet and greets and what was that like?

I’ve been fortunate enough to facilitate and arrange meet and greets with a few well-known individuals. One of these was Alex Ferguson, which was a real privilege. I've also met Freddie Flintoff when he was doing some filming in check in before flying, he was brilliant and somebody I have always admired. I think the majority of well-known faces we see through the airport are down to earth, our role is just to make sure they have a positive and seamless experience through the airport.

Would you recommend working at the airport?

Definitely! I had never planned to work within the airport, however I saw the opportunity to work at the airport and thought, let's give this a try. I can honestly say I look forward to coming to work each day!

Usually after a long, tiring twelve-hour shift when walking back to my car near runway 23R, an aircraft will come soaring overhead as it arrives back from some exotic location and I catch myself stopping and watching it land, that's why I love working here, it never gets boring!

What do you like to do when you're not at work?

Working in an airport has caused me to catch the travel bug, so I love going away when possible. I have a scratch-off map, so I aim to visit as many countries as possible. I am also a self-confessed foodie (which compliments travelling very well!), so one of my favourite things is trying new foods. Currently I’m a fan of trying different types of ramen!

I'm also a qualified paddle boarding instructor, so to burn off all that ramen I enjoy spending my summers getting out on my paddle board.

Which destination that we fly to from Manchester do you most want to visit?

Manchester offers direct flights to Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific - this is a country I am keen to visit. I'm a big fan of modern cities with towering skyscrapers, good food and culture – so Hong Kong is definitely on the list.

Do you have any tips for passengers on how to get the most from their airport experience?

My main advice once you are through security and in the departure lounge is to always keep an eye on flight information screens throughout the lounge. This means once the screens display 'Go to the gate', You know you will arrive at the gate in plenty of time to board. Secondly, once you arrive at the gate, wait to hear your row number being called out before joining the queue. This way, you can remain seated at the gate and not have to stand in a queue before your row has started boarding.

This year, Hajj falls between Friday 14 June and Wednesday 19 June, with tour itineraries typically lasting between 10 and 21 days – meaning some pilgrims will start travelling out to Saudi Arabia this week.

Manchester Airport’s Muslim chaplains, Shurma Chowdhury and Faruk Ali, explain why Hajj is so significant in the Islamic faith and share their top tips for pilgrims travelling this year.

What does Hajj mean to the pilgrims taking part?

SC: Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, a mandatory pilgrimage for all Muslims with the means to undertake it, at least once in their lifetimes. It is an invitation from God to become closer to Him, to seek His guidance and an opportunity for pilgrims to better their character. You can visit Makkah at any time of year for an Umrah pilgrimage, but Hajj always takes place on a specific set of dates in the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

For so many, it really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience now. Restrictions that were put in place during the Covid pandemic remain in place, spaces are very limited, and it can cost up to £10,000 per person, all-in-all, so for many people their life savings go into this. Five members of my own family are travelling this year, so obviously I’m very excited for them. Jeddah Airport is only about an hour’s drive from Makkah, so we are very lucky to have a direct flight there from Manchester.

FA: Hajj is always a very profound experience for the pilgrims taking part. I have led groups on Hajj pilgrimages in the past, in my capacity as an Imam, and for Muslims across the globe, it is a unifying, shared experience, but it is deeply personal at the same time.

How do pilgrims go about organising their Hajj tour?

SC: The process of getting yourself onto a tour can be a little stressful – you have to register your interest online via the official Saudi government platform, and from there it’s a bit of a lottery. It’s very important for pilgrims to follow the Foreign Office’s travel advice and make sure they’re taking precautions, such as ensuring the tour operator they book through is ATOL protected. The nature of the booking process means that all pilgrims travelling from Manchester will be travelling with Saudia, and the airline is well-versed on supporting people on their Hajj journeys.

How does Manchester Airport help to ensure their journey goes smoothly?

SC: Pilgrims have spent a lot of money to travel for Hajj, and it’s not as simple as rebooking for next year if things go wrong, so naturally people can get a bit anxious about that. Our job is to take as much of the stress out of it as we can. Passengers travelling through Terminal 2 in the next few weeks will see posters and leaflets guiding them on where toilets, changing facilities and check-in desks are, as well as explaining what they need to do throughout their airport journey. For some, this will be the first and only time they fly, so you can’t take it for granted that they will know how to make their way through an airport! The Airport Chaplaincy works closely with operational teams on making these preparations.

FA: It’s mandatory for pilgrims to be wearing Ihram clothing (a white cotton garment) upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, so rather than trying to do this onboard the plane, many prefer to change at the airport. Ihram is about more than just what you are wearing, it’s also about getting into a relaxed and pure state of mind, so it’s important we provide the right facilities. We have installed Ihram changing areas in T2 in two locations, one opposite Boots and one at Gate A8. We’d encourage pilgrims to use these designated spaces, rather than the toilets or the airport’s prayer rooms.

What advice would you give to someone performing the Hajj for the first time?

FA: It is vital to be prepared, physically and mentally. The Islamic lunar calendar and the Gregorian calendar don’t quite align, so Hajj moves forward each year by just under two weeks, and that means that right now, it falls at the height of summer. Pilgrims from this country will not be used to the heat of Saudi Arabia in June, and performing the Hajj requires a lot of walking, so my main piece of advice to those travelling would be not to underestimate the stamina that is required, and to look after their health and physical fitness in the coming weeks!

Are there any special arrangements for people coming back to the UK?

SC: Not as such, but the Airport Chaplaincy is always here to support people as best as we can, whether that’s spiritually or practically, so pilgrims are more than welcome to contact us if they want someone to talk to on their arrival back in Manchester.

The return home is like a moment of rebirth. This once-in-a-lifetime experience that people have been looking forward to has now come to an end, and they will come back with a new perspective on their lives, so naturally some of them might want to seek some guidance.

On a practical note, many pilgrims will bring holy water back with them so it’s important that they remember to pack these in their hold luggage if over 100ml.

How can pilgrims contact the Manchester Airport Chaplaincy?

SC: Saudia’s check-in desks will have informational leaflets and they’ll find our contact details on there. They can call us on 0161 489 2838 or email us at thechaplaincy@manairport.co.uk, and book an appointment with us if they’d like a chat. Faruk or I will also be on the ground in Terminal Two on Mondays and Fridays and we’re always more than happy to chat or offer a helping hand where we can.

Passport Control

Passport Control at Manchester Airport is controlled by UK Border Force, which is a branch of the Home Office, a UK Government department. The airport is not involved in administering this process, but at peak times will allocate staff to support UK Border Force colleagues by directing passengers through this part of their journeys.

When you arrive at the border, you will find signage pointing you in one of three directions, each with designated passport lanes;

-        British passport holders

-        EU, EEA or Swiss nationals

-        Non-EU nationals.

Wait times can vary depending on how many passengers are arriving at the same time as you, but are typically under 15 minutes. Passport Control Fast Track is available from just £5 per person, which allows you to use a dedicated express lane.

Please have your passport open at the photo page ready for scanning, and do not use mobile phones in this area.

Flight transfers

If you’re catching a connecting flight from a different terminal, and are travelling with hand luggage only, you can now transfer directly between Manchester Airport’s three terminals via a transfer bus service, which operates between the Terminal 2 Flight Transfer Centre, Terminal 1 Gate 20C and Terminal 3 Gates 150A / 150D. Ask a member of the Customer Experience team for more information.

Collecting your bags

Details of the relevant baggage carousel will be displayed on the information screens when you arrive in the baggage reclaim hall.

On a busy flight, there will be hundreds of pieces of luggage to process, many of which may be of a similar size, shape and colour to your own. To help you quickly identify your bag, you could attach a distinguishing luggage tag or sticker.

Staying over at the airport

If you have a connecting flight the next day, you might want to stay close by – and there are a multitude of convenient options on the airport site for a one-night stay, to suit all budgets, including;

-        Radisson Blu Hotel Manchester Airport

-        Holiday Inn Manchester Airport

-        ibis budget Manchester Airport

-        Crowne Plaza Manchester Airport, an IHG Hotel

-        Clayton Hotel Manchester Airport

-        DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Airport

The Radisson Blu is directly accessible via the Skylink glass bridge between the Airport Station and Terminal Two, while the Holiday Inn and ibis budget are also directly opposite Terminal Two. The Clayton Hotel, Crowne Plaza and DoubleTree by Hilton are all walking distance from Terminals One and Three.

Places to eat and drink

Each of the airport’s terminals offers a mix of cafes and restaurants in the arrivals area, once you have collected your bags.

Terminal 1’s popular Hangar restaurant offers an ever-changing menu and local beer on draft, while the likes of Greggs and Pret-a-Manger are also available for a grab-and-go snack.

In Terminal 2, options include Starbucks and M&S Food.

Terminal 3’s arriving passengers can avail themselves of a coffee at Caffe Nero or a sandwich in WHSmith, and the terminal also has a branch of Hangar.

Public transport

The Airport Station is a centralised hub for public transport links, comprising of a train station, tram station and bus / coach station.

Fast and direct train services into the middle of Manchester run up to every 15 minutes throughout the day, with direct links also available to places like North Wales, the Lake District, the North East and Crewe. Bus and tram services provide a network of local links across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and west Derbyshire, while coach services offer longer-distance connections to other major UK cities.

Karen Wallis, an Environmental Specialist at Manchester Airport, is on a mission to clean up aviation. She explains how the airport approaches the management of its environmental impact, from recycling leftover ground coffee to shaping the new Terminal 2. She also reveals her top pick of the destinations that the airport flies to – and it’s a must for any Lego enthusiast.

How long have you been working at Manchester Airport?

I joined the airport in October 2023 so I’m still a newbie!

What does your job involve on a typical day?

That’s a tough one because what I like about this job is how varied it is and that no two days are the same.

My role is all about managing the day-to-day environmental impact of our operations, so there are a lot of different factors involved. I’m responsible for making sure that we are following all of the environmental laws that apply to our activities, so I regularly support different departments across the airport to make sure we are considering our impact on the environment in any projects we’re undertaking.

I carry out audits of our own activities and all of the other businesses which operate on our site, advising on where we can make improvements, developing procedures and training, and working closely with environmental bodies, such as the Environment Agency.

I see my role as there to facilitate and support others to manage our environmental impact.

Can you talk us through some of the environmental initiatives the airport is working on at the moment?

Waste is a focus at the moment. We have a good recycling system in place but we’re looking at new opportunities, such as recycling coffee grounds from retailers - that’s a project currently being trialled at our sister airport London Stansted that we’re hoping to roll out here soon. We’re also looking at how we can support the airlines using Manchester Airport to improve recycling of the cabin waste generated by passengers during flights.

For our own staff, we’re putting the finishing touches to a series of training modules that will help raise awareness and understanding of various environmental topics that affect our airport.

What skills are needed for the role?

A passion and interest in environmental issues is a must, and a willingness to champion the cause.

Communication skills are important. A lot of what I do is talking to staff, tenants, contractors and regulators, or providing written reports and presentations. I have to be able to translate sometimes quite complex and unfamiliar topics to different audiences across the airport in an accessible and engaging way.

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport?

It’s such an unusual working environment and there are so many different activities happening that it’s impossible to get bored!

Would you recommend working at the airport?

Absolutely. It feels like a really positive period for the airport at the moment with lots of changes happening. I’ve also really appreciated how welcoming and supportive staff have been since I started. When people are already engaged and genuinely interested in what we can do to improve our environmental performance, it makes my job much easier! 

What do you like to do when you’re not at work?

I have two children that keep me very busy, whether that’s cheering on my son’s local football team from the sidelines or helping my daughter do her Brownie badge work (she’s just done her Aviation badge). Aside from that, I love doing Pilates and am an avid bookworm and podcast fan.

Which destination that we fly to from Manchester do you most want to visit?

We’re big Lego fans in our house and we really want to visit Billund this year, the home of Lego. Denmark is beautiful and super family friendly, so add in a visit to the Lego House and Legoland and you’ve got the perfect trip to please both the little and big kids!

How long have you been working as a check-in agent at Manchester Airport?

After initially retiring eight years ago, I rejoined the workforce in 2022 when I accepted a Customer Helper role with Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, based at Manchester Airport.

What does your job involve on a typical day?

In my varied role as a Customer Helper, there is no such thing as a ‘typical day’. When I arrive in the morning, we are allocated our positions for the day which ensures colleagues are available to help at all stages of the customer’s journey through the airport. This means I could be greeting customers from when they first walk into the terminal, right through to waving them goodbye after collecting their belongings in the baggage hall.

When working at check-in, my daily tasks could include directing customers to the correct areas, checking passports and boarding passes, and assisting with bag drop. Things can change very quickly in this fast-paced environment, making my role very exciting.

What qualities and skills are needed for the role?

Thanks to Jet2’s extensive flying programme at Manchester Airport, we encounter millions of excited customers over the course of the year, meaning you must be approachable and confident when speaking with members of the public.

I believe a successful Customer Helper must be understanding, approachable and have a passion for customer service. Attention to detail is an essential skill to ensure the operation runs as smoothly as possible for all customers and colleagues.

Professionalism is required at all times as our Customer Helpers proudly wear the recognisable Red Team uniform to represent Jet2. As our badges say, you must be ‘Happy to Help!’ and echo the company’s values to ensure we are continually upholding our VIP customer service.

What do you enjoy the most about working in an airport?

As my role can be so varied, I love the sense of the unknown and the opportunities that lay ahead in each new day.

I have met such an array of people, both working around the airport and when attending to our customers, which has allowed me to appreciate and learn from their variety of backgrounds. I am extremely proud to work for a company that values its customers and has a fantastic reputation.

At Jet2, I feel part of a strong team with colleagues who will go above and beyond to help each other out as well as our millions of customers. My colleagues may have merely been strangers to me when I started at Manchester Airport, but they have now become close friends. Despite not being required to work since retiring, I have chosen do to so in order to keep my mind sharp and engage in regular social interactions which this job allows me to do with pleasure.

Tell us something interesting about your job that passengers might not know?

When embarking on their journeys through the airport to ultimately reach their holiday destination, the majority of customers might not have a true idea of the scale of the operation that takes place behind the scenes to make Jet2 services a flying success. For example, like all customers, staff must also pass through security checks before every shift, meaning the holidaymakers are in very safe and capable hands. From my own experience when starting in my role, I found there were jobs I never knew existed and have learnt so much from my various colleagues across the airport.

What important advice would you share with passengers about checking in?

From the moment they enter the terminal, I want customers to know that the friendly Jet2 team is always happy to help to ensure they have a lovely holiday. If you ever have a question when travelling, please feel free to approach a Customer Helper – they’re hard to miss in our famous red uniform!

When checking in, my biggest piece of advice is to adhere to baggage restrictions, especially when taking hand-held luggage on-board. This includes checking that the baggage fits within the dimensions guidelines, weighs 10kg or less and that any liquid contents adhere to maximum restrictions. If you are ever unsure, check out the advice on our website before travelling.

One question I am asked frequently as a Customer Helper is how do I find out my boarding gate number. I recommend that passengers continue to check the departure boards handily displayed around the airport to ensure they know where to go and allow themselves plenty of time to get to the aircraft before boarding.

How does the Jet2.com Twilight Check-in scheme work?

As Manchester Airport is the home to Jet2’s largest flying programme, we have customers visiting from afar to take advantage of the great choice of flights and destinations on offer from this base. With many passengers choosing to stay at a nearby hotel overnight, the Twilight Check-in scheme is an ideal option for them, meaning they can save time the next morning by dropping their bags off from 4:30pm to9pm for all flights departing before 12pm the following day.

The same principle applies for local customers who can take advantage of the scheme to relax knowing that they can skip the queues and head straight towards departures the next day, too.

What do you like to do when you’re not at work?

As I am lucky enough to live in the lush countryside surrounding Manchester Airport, my hobby is walking around the beautiful hills on my doorstep. I do this without a mobile phone to be able to appreciate the nature around me, navigating my directions with only a map and compass to keep the brain sharp.

I also own a touring caravan which allows me to take my hobby of walking around the country. My current shift pattern of working for three days at the airport followed by three days off suits my lifestyle very well and means I can get out and about regularly.

Which destination that Jet2 serve from Manchester do you most want to visit?

I was very excited to learn about the addition of Morocco to Jet2’s growing portfolio from Manchester Airport. The vibrant city of Marrakech and breathtaking coastlines of Agadir will provide memorable cultural getaways for our customers. I would love to experience this myself once the services commence in October.

The charity Anxiety UK estimates that around 10% of the UK population suffers from aviophobia, or a fear of flying. The good news is that if this applies to you, there are steps you can take to lessen the impact it has on your travels – from the moment you book your trip, to arriving at the airport, boarding the aircraft and the time you spend in the air. Here, we share our top eight tips to help get you on your way with minimal stress.

Of course, if you think you may have an undiagnosed phobia of flying, you should seek professional advice from your GP or a qualified therapist prior to travelling.

Book a direct flight wherever possible

If you can fly direct to your destination, rather than needing to make a transfer, you’ll reduce the amount of time you spend in the air. You’ll also only have to go through one take-off and one landing, which are often the parts of the experience that cause the most anxiety for nervous travellers.

Manchester Airport offers direct flights to more than 200 destinations – more than any other airport in the UK outside London – and many routes are served by more than one airline, which means you can shop around to get a good deal and find a flight that suits your needs.

Book a seat with extra legroom

Feeling boxed-in can add to a sense of anxiety, so it’s worth paying a little extra to select seats that will give you a little more room. You’re likely to find that an aisle seat on an emergency exit row, around the middle of the plane, gives you the most space to stretch out.

Plan your trip to the airport

If you make a clear plan for getting to the airport, and allow lots of time for your journey, you’ll feel more in control, which will help ensure you’re not getting onto the plane in an anxious frame of mind. Most airlines recommend you arrive at least two hours before your departure time for a short-haul flight, or three hours beforehand for a long-haul flight. If you’re travelling to the airport on public transport, keep an eye out for service updates before you set off, and make sure you have a Plan B in case of any delays or cancellations.

Take your mind off the flight when you’re at the airport

This may sound easier said than done, but there are lots of places within an airport departure lounge that are designed to help you to do just that.

Executive lounges, which offer an all-inclusive buffet and bar service, can help you unwind and destress ahead of your trip, and are more affordable than you might think – prices for the Escape lounge at Manchester Airport start from only £31.99 per person and you can access the lounge up to three hours before your flight. You can find out more here.

If you’re planning to eat in a bar or restaurant before you fly, there are a number of units within Manchester Airport’s terminals which do not face the airfield, where you can relax and enjoy your meal without the visual prompt of a runway to remind you that you’re about to take a flight.

And if you’re travelling from Terminal Three, the designated quiet zone on the upper mezzanine level of the departure lounge is a great place to retreat to.

Avoid alcohol before and during your flight

It might be tempting to have a drink before you fly in the belief that it will take the edge off your nerves, but in reality, alcohol consumption could actually accentuate the anxiety you’re feeling. Try and clue yourself up on other ways of coping with your anxiety, such as breathing exercises.

Let the cabin crew know about your fear of flying when you board

If you let your cabin crew know that you’re a nervous flyer, they can then support you during the journey by checking in on you periodically and ensuring you’re comfortable, and can also take any questions you might have. Observing how relaxed the crew are in going about their job might help you feel a little calmer, too – they do this every day, after all!

Download some soothing music to listen to during the flight

Soothing music is proven to help calm you down – it slows your heart rate and breathing, making you feel physically more relaxed, which can help bring about a calmer mood, too. Download a suitable playlist that you can listen to on the flight in the event you find yourself feeling anxious.

Take a Fear of Flying course

If all else fails, consider booking yourself onto a Fear of Flying course. easyJet, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways all offer a variety of courses from Manchester, many of which include a guided flight experience with a running commentary from the pilot, explaining what you’re experiencing.

You can find out more about these courses by visiting www.manchesterairport.co.uk/help/passenger-guides/fear-of-flying/.

Manchester Airport will be the gateway of choice for many holidaymakers in the region, not least because of the sheer variety of destinations it serves – more than 200 near and far-flung places to explore across four continents, allowing more adventurous sunseekers to look beyond the traditional holiday hotspots.

We know many will be pondering how to squeeze the most from their holiday savings. Here we run through a whole host of ways you can do just that, from the moment you book your trip, to travelling through the airport and maximising your budget while you’re away.

Deciding where to go

Manchester Airport’s unrivalled route network means passengers have the flexibility to look at a wide range of destinations to make sure they find value for money.

Do your research, set a budget, and consider your trip as a whole when you’re doing this. Information on the cost of accommodation, food and drink, transport and entry fees for attractions is all readily available online, and you might find that cheaper day-to-day costs in some destinations offset a slightly higher air fare to get there, saving you money overall.

In western Europe, Portugal and Spain tend to offer the best value for money, while on the other side of the continent, Turkey’s popularity has boomed in recent years due to the strength of the Pound against the Turkish Lira. Croatia and Greece are more expensive than they used to be, but there are still deals to be had, while up-and-coming hotspots in eastern Europe where prices remain low include Albania, Montenegro and Bulgaria.

For those with more exotic tastes, package holiday providers often have excellent deals available in Latin American destinations like Mexico, Cuba or the Dominican Republic, or in North African countries like Morocco and Egypt, where the pound in your pocket will go a lot further, all with ATOL protections in place.

All of these destinations are served by direct flights from Manchester, and in many cases, you’ll have your pick of several locations within each of these countries.

Booking your trip

Be flexible with your booking dates, if you can. If you’re not travelling with school aged children, you’ll find better deals available either side of the school summer holidays, in June and September, when the weather in the most popular bucket-and-spade destinations will still be gloriously sunny.

Certain days of the week are cheaper to fly than others – you’ll generally find that better value fares are available midweek rather than at the weekend. The time of day can make a difference, too – travelling at a more convenient time comes at a premium.

Package deals can offer great value for money along with the peace of mind that comes with ATOL protection, but they might not always give you a lot of flexibility to explore your destination in your own way. Shop around to find the option that best suits your needs.

Between now and the summer

If you haven’t opted for an all-inclusive package, start to put a little money aside each month once you’ve booked your trip and set yourself a budget – you could even set up separate savings pots for different activities or excursions you might have planned. Feeling in control of your finances will allow you to relax and enjoy your break properly.

If you’re planning to drive to the airport, or avail of one of the lounges, you’ll get the best deal by booking in advance. There are a multitude of options available to suit all budgets – the best deals in the airport’s official car parks are generally in JetParks, which is just a five-minute shuttle bus away from the terminals. There are several different lounge products available, too, catering for different clientele – the Escape lounge is suitable for families and is also the most economical option. Some holiday package deals do include parking and lounge access, so look out for this when booking. Find out more about official airport parking here, or lounges here.

Do also consider public transport to get you to and from the airport – Manchester is one of the best-connected hubs in the country with a network of train, bus and coach links operating virtually around the clock.

Packing your bags

Stay within your baggage allowance if you can, and you won’t have to pay extra for your hold luggage – this may be easier said than done if travelling as a family! You can save space in your luggage by packing a small number of versatile clothing items that you can make several different outfits from, rolling your clothes rather than folding them, and picking up space-saving travel items like all-in-one travel adaptors and blow-up travel pillows.

Saving your pennies while you’re away

Research the public transport links in your destination and don’t be afraid to use them – you could save a lot of money, particularly if it’s possible to get a discount by purchasing a weekly pass on the bus or train network. If you can avoid eating every meal at a restaurant, you’ll save a lot of money over the course of a week or two - if you have a kitchen in your accommodation, use it.

When you’re coming home, don’t be tempted to spend your foreign currency just for the sake of using it up – it can be the start of the saving pot for your next trip. This is particularly worth thinking about if you’re spending Euros, which could be used in nearly two dozen countries – so even if you’re visiting somewhere entirely different next year, you may be able to spend your leftover cash without even having converted it first.

How long have you been working at Manchester Airport?

I’ve worked at the airport for more than 35 years and as you’d imagine I’ve seen a lot of changes in that time. I started in 1988 as a Publicity Assistant and have held various roles over the years. I’m now the Community Engagement Manager, a role I job share with my colleague Julie Walker.

What does your job involve?

This role is all about the interface between the airport and local communities. We work to promote the things that are good about having an airport as a neighbour, keep communities updated on any new developments at the airport that may affect them, and mitigate any concerns raised with us by local residents wherever we can.

Our team is also responsible for delivering schemes like Easter egg and Christmas present collections for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, an annual lunch for over-65s, and administering the airport’s Community Trust Fund, which donates more than £100,000 to local good causes every year.

What are the skills needed to do your job?

You need the ability to remain calm and polite at all times, especially when you’re dealing with situations where someone is airing a grievance. You also need to be flexible, with a positive, can-do attitude.

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport?

The airport is such an exciting place to work, every day is different, there are often challenges to overcome which makes life interesting. And of course there’s the people – I work with some really lovely, talented colleagues.

How does the airport ensure that the voices of local people are heard and reflected in its decision making?

People can provide feedback to us directly through our outreach events or in writing, but most often their views are brought to us through the airport’s Consultative Committee, made up of local councillors, business and industry professionals, and community representatives.  

We also undertake regular ‘trust’ surveys to directly ask for feedback, looking at how we are performing and what local residents think our priorities should be.  We also produce a quarterly e-newsletter to keep residents updated.

What is your favourite community outreach project that you’re involved with?

My favourite outreach project has got to be the Cheshire Show – it’s a two-day agricultural show that takes place in Tabley, near Knutsford. We engage with hundreds of visitors , chat to them about the airport and their experiences travelling through, and we share our future plans. It’s fun but exhausting!

What is the Community Trust Fund and how can local groups get support from it?

The Community Trust Fund is the airport’s registered charity that provides grants for local community groups of up to £3,000, and overseeing that process is one of my responsibilities. Those applying must show how the funding will be used to achieve tangible benefits for the local community. We have helped amateur sports clubs, scout groups and food banks, among others.

Applications are considered at quarterly meetings by a board of trustees made up of airport colleagues and local councillors. If a community group, charity or not-for-profit initiative is based within 10 miles of the airport’s footprint, they may be eligible to apply for support. For further information visit the website or drop us an enquiry at trust.fund@manairport.co.uk.

Which destination that we serve from Manchester do you most want to visit?

I’d like visit Croatia – hopefully later this year to celebrate my 20^th wedding anniversary!

What do you like to do outside work?

I volunteer for a charity that rehomes ex-commercial hens. I undertake admin duties for them and run a local collection point, which means I take hens from a commercial environment and rehome them as pets. I also am an avid supporter of grassroots football – with both of my boys playing regularly!

As a Terminal Appearance Officer, Anthony Johnson’s job is to make sure Manchester Airport’s three terminals are looking their best, around the clock, 365 days a year, for the almost 30 million passengers who pass through the hub annually.

It’s a big responsibility, and in this edition of Life at MAN, Anthony explains how almost two decades of working at the airport in various roles have helped to equip him for the challenges he comes up against on a daily basis.

How long have you been working at the airport?

I started with MAG as a Customer Experience Ambassador in May 2005, so I’ve now been with the business for more than 18 years.  In 2011 I became a Customer Services Duty Manager and six years after that, I became a Terminal Appearance Officer, which is the role I’m still in today.

What does your job involve?

This is a tough question, because ensuring our terminals are in top condition is a big undertaking, and involves interfacing with various other parts of the business.

In a nutshell, though, my key responsibilities are overseeing the maintenance and cleaning regimes of the terminals, ensuring that any ongoing maintenance work is communicated to partners such as handling agents and airline staff, and planning ahead to make sure we are well-equipped to meet the challenges of the future. In April 2025, for example, our new T2 ‘super-terminal’ will be fully operational, and we need to be able to pick up the day-to-day maintenance of that facility from day one, which means having a plan in place.

Day-to-day, I could be dealing with a huge variety of situations, from health and safety issues to cleanliness inspections, identifying building faults and proactively arranging repairs, or ordering equipment for our customer service and security teams so that they can go about their jobs. I’m also involved in special events planning, for things like the arrivals and departures of major sports teams, inaugural flight celebrations, cruise ship collections, and in-terminal community events.

What skills are needed for the role?

The key skill for my job is adaptability – being able to adjust to any request made of the operation at any given time. There is no room for the “it’s not my job” mentality in this role. That might be as simple as offering guidance on who else should be asked for their expertise, but this helps keep projects and the operation moving in the right direction – so I’m required to have an overview of who does what, and that means good people skills are very important too.

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport?

I would say it is helping passengers get the best out of their journeys. Airports are tightly-controlled environments, and passengers might find themselves feeling time-pressured, or might be unfamiliar with the rules they need to adhere to. I therefore have a very important role to play, creating an environment that helps them to feel comfortable and removes some of that stress.

The second key thing is the people I work with every day, who all dig in to ensure they deliver their best and give passengers the best experience they can.

Would you recommend a career at the airport?

Yes, I would recommend a career here at the airport and in particular, working for MAG. MAG has a diverse range of career options, and our staff are given every encouragement to progress within the business.

Which destination that we serve from Manchester do you most want to visit?

I would love to take a flight to Santander, to explore Spain’s north coast towns and villages, and to sample the best cafes and restaurants.

What do you like to do when you’re not at work?

I love to cook at home. I enjoy all kinds of cooking, whether that’s just the basics such as spaghetti Bolognese, or learning new recipes – I’ve recently been perfecting my Shanghai red braised pork.

So, while finding a flight to your perfect destination from the UK’s global gateway in the North won’t be a problem, travelling in the winter is a very different experience to a bucket-and-spade summer holiday. For many of those passing through Manchester Airport this month, their end destination will be a snowy, icy winter wonderland, and there are many differences between the packing checklist for a winter trip versus a summer holiday – but also some surprising things they share in common.

Manchester Airport is sharing its top tips with passengers heading off on a cold-weather getaway, including what to pack, how to check in your winter sports equipment – and why you still need to bring your suncream with you!

Make the most of your space

Packing for a winter trip with cold and changeable weather isn’t straightforward. One of the biggest challenges you’ll come up against is that you’ll want to take thicker, bulkier clothing – and more of it – than you’d pack for a summer holiday. Wearing some of these items to the airport, rather than packing them, will help you avoid busting the zips on your suitcase.

Packing versatile items that you can combine to create several different outfits is a great way to limit the amount that you’re trying to cram into your luggage. Thermal base layers don’t take up much space but are great for keeping you warm if you’ll be spending long periods outside. Rolling up your clothes, rather than folding them, also saves space and stops your clothes from creasing.

Don’t forget your winter essentials

Hats, scarves, gloves and rain jackets wouldn’t feature in your summer packing list but they’re necessities if you’re planning on a snowy getaway. Thick socks and walking boots may also be advisable if it’s likely to be icy at your destination.

Suncream and sunglasses are not just for summer!

These two items might not be the first that spring to mind for a winter holiday, but they might prove to be every bit as important as they are in summer. Despite the cold, the sun’s UV rays are stronger at a higher altitude, so if you’re going to somewhere like the Alps, you’ll want to take some suncream to protect any exposed skin.

Ice and snow are also highly reflective, and the sun will be lower in the sky in winter, so some sunglasses may also come in handy, even if you’re not engaging in any winter sports.

Leave plenty of time for your journey to the airport

Public transport and the road network are both more likely to be adversely affected by the weather during the winter months – so make sure you’ve factored in enough time to allow for any potential delays or diversions on your way to the airport.

Most airlines recommend that you aim to arrive in time for when check-in for your flight opens. This is usually two hours for a short-haul flight or three hours for a long-haul flight, but may vary dependent on your airline, so make sure you check before setting off.

Check in any oversized items separately

If you are taking skis or a snowboard, these almost certainly won’t fit within a regular sized bag – which means you may need to check them in separately to the rest of your hold luggage.Make sure you book this in advance through your airline, as extra charges may apply. Each terminal at Manchester Airport has dedicated check-in desks for oversized luggage. 

You’ll normally collect your sports equipment at your arrival airport in the usual way but check with your airline.

That’s why we have a range of car parks – both close to the terminals and further away – as well as drop-off and meet and greet services. There are also reputable third-party parking services local to the airport.

It means that whatever your budget and circumstances, there should be an option for you - but it also means it’s important to plan in advance because just turning up on the day may mean that there isn’t capacity for your car or that you have to pay more.  

Here are our top tips to make sure parking at the airport doesn’t add any stress to your trip.

Make sure you park at the right terminal

Terminals 1 and 3 at Manchester are only a short distance from one another, but Terminal 2 is further away – up to a 20-minute walk from Terminal 3 – and it may be too far to carry heavy suitcases. Don’t inconvenience yourself by parking at a different terminal to the one you’re flying from.

Book in advance to secure the best price

Advanced bookings help the airport manage parking capacity, so this is strongly encouraged - and you could secure a sizeable discount if you book in advance of your journey. This advice even applies if you get to the day of your flight and haven’t booked yet – you could still make a substantial saving by reserving a space.

Do you need to be dropped off at the door? Consider the free drop-off area if not.

It is still possible to drop passengers off for free at Manchester Airport – just not on the terminal forecourt. A drop-off area is available in Thorley Lane opposite JetParks 1, completely free of charge, with five-minute bus shuttles running regularly to each of the airport’s three terminals. Passengers are encouraged to use this option to reduce traffic congestion on the terminal forecourts and around the airport site.

Don’t overstay if you’re dropping off at the door, and don’t pick-up in drop-off areas - use short stay car parks instead

There is a time limit of 10 minutes in the forecourt drop-off areas, and an overstay charge of £25 applies if you remain for longer – this is to avoid bottlenecking of vehicles trying to access the forecourt, bringing traffic to a standstill. You must also avoid leaving your vehicle unattended within a forecourt area.

Picking passengers up on the forecourt is not allowed and subject to a £100 charge, as the time it takes passengers to pass through Arrivals can vary and would often result in drivers overstaying the 10-minute limit. If you’re picking someone up, you should use one of the short-stay car parks instead, located next to each terminal.

If booking with a third party, make sure they’re reputable

Manchester Airport has a range of official car parking products, with options to suit a range of budgets, from drop-and-go valet parking next to the terminal, to a more economical park-and-ride service at JetParks.

In addition to the airport’s official car parks, there are a number of third-party parking operators near the airport site, also offering drop-and-go or park-and-ride services. Many of these businesses are legitimate and reputable, but police have recently taken action against rogue operators who leave customers’ vehicles in unsecured locations, damage them, or drive them while the owners are away.

If you plan to use a third-party service, do your research before handing over your keys. Use government-accredited schemes like Park Mark to identify an operator who has committed to trading fairly.

Make sure your electric vehicle is charged

If you’re leaving an electric vehicle at the airport while you go on holiday, make sure that the battery has enough charge to get you home when you get back. Don’t leave it fully charged, though, as that can shorten the battery’s lifespan. You should check the manufacturer’s guidance for your make and model of vehicle.

Bear in mind that your battery is still powering some navigational and anti-theft systems even when your car is turned off, so the battery’s charge will likely drop by a few per cent while you’re away.

If you’re leaving your car with the airport’s Drop & Go service and you typically use a digital car key, make sure you leave the physical key with Drop & Go reception, so that the valet driver can park your car and retrieve it for you when you return.

Consider public transport

An alternative to car journeys, Manchester Airport has a wide range of public transport options available, which can be affordable, accessible, reliable, and sustainable. The airport is accessible by bus, coach, tram, and train via the dedicated station onsite. Passengers are encouraged to consider a more sustainable transport option when heading to or from Manchester Airport, to reduce the environmental impact, reduce travel time, and decrease the amount of traffic on the road network.

Manchester Airport’s route network is unrivalled outside London – so the chances are that whether you’re looking to travel Europe or head further afield to Asia, Africa or the Americas, you’ll be able to get there from the UK’s global gateway in the North.

Here we reveal our top tips for getting the most out of your backpacking experience – including what to pack, how to maximise space, and some steps you can take to avoid any mishaps along the way.

Picking a bag

Choosing the right bag to meet your needs is perhaps even more vital than what goes into it. If you’re planning to travel with hand luggage only, a number of backpacks have been specifically designed to meet the dimensions stipulated by most airlines – but designs still vary greatly so make sure you find one that suits your preferences.

Some backpacks have mesh spacers that sit between the bag and your back to prevent you getting too sweaty, ideal for tropical climates, whereas others have inbuilt rain covers, or come with small detachable ‘day bags’ that will allow you to leave your bulky backpack in the hostel lockers when you go out.

Your travel wardrobe

How many clothes do you really need for your trip? If you’re going away for several months, you’re going to need to wash your clothes at some point. Many hostels have washing machines, if not there will be a launderette nearby, and you may find you can get away with just a few changes of clothes – particularly if you pack versatile items that you can combine to create several different outfits.

If you’re heading to the tropics, packing thin clothing will help you keep cool and will free up all-important space. Don’t pack items you’re unwilling to part with, as you’ll probably be wearing them and washing them more frequently, which will speed up wear and tear – so you may be coming home with a different set of clothes to the ones you left with!

Rolling up your clothes, rather than folding them, will save space and will prevent them from becoming creased. A separate foldaway laundry bag – or a compartment for dirty laundry within your backpack – will help you avoid contaminating your clean clothes when you pack everything up to move from place to place.

Saving space

You’ll almost certainly want to pick up mementos of your trip as you go, or gifts to take home for friends and family – so make sure you don’t fill your bag up entirely, or you’ll force yourself into some difficult decisions on what to part with ahead of your homebound trip.

Space-saving items, like all-in-one travel adaptors, quick-dry, compact travel towels and blow-up travel pillows, will help you get the most out of your backpack. Vacuum-packing items that you won’t need regular access to is another great way to ensure you’re maximising the space available. If you’re staying in hostels, you won’t need a sleeping bag, as the vast majority will provide linen – and even if they don’t, a sleeping bag liner will likely suffice.

You should also consider what you can pick up as you go – if you’re travelling for any length of time then you’ll need to buy consumable items, like toiletries, so whilst it might make sense to pack travel miniatures for a two-week holiday, it’s less essential if you’re on a backpacking trip.

If you do bring liquids or large electricals, pack them somewhere that’s easily accessible, so you don’t have to rummage through your bag at airport security.

Being prepared

Pack an organiser for any paperwork you’ll need, such as proof of vaccinations, visas, or tickets and travel itineraries. Although it’s possible to do a lot online, it’s well worth taking paper back-ups of key documents in case of any tech issues.

Other backpacker essentials include a padlock for hostel lockers, earplugs if you’ll be staying in shared dorm rooms, plastic bags (for anything that gets wet) and first aid kit / medications.

Down time

You’ll inevitably have time to burn whilst you’re in transit, so bring something to keep you entertained, whether that’s downloading your favourite music, tv shows or podcasts, or bringing a puzzle book or pack of cards.

Downloading offline maps for the places you’re visiting whilst at the airport will mean that you can use transit time productively, planning where you might want to go, places you might want to eat, or just knowing where the nearest convenience stores and launderettes to your hostel are.

How long have you been working as a Ground Operations Duty Manager for TUI at Manchester Airport?

I’m fairly new to the role! I only started in March this year. It's a new role we have around all our bases.

What does your job involve on a typical day?

There are no typical days with what I do. We tend to spend the first part of the morning on check-in, where we have a meeting with our handling agent, and then we come airside, monitoring the safety and the turnaround of the aircraft.

We have regular meetings throughout the day with our service providers and always make sure we're visible for our crew, flight deck, and customers, so we can support them as needed.

What skills are needed for the role?

Time management is critical in what we do. We need to make sure we're in the right place, at the right time, to make sure our aircraft depart at the correct time. We're communicating with lots of different departments, making sure that everything runs smoothly.

We also need to be really safety-focused. Our number one priority as an airline is keeping our customers, our aircraft, and our staff safe.

What do you enjoy the most about working in an airport environment?

For me, the most important thing is the people I meet - that's our customers and it's also other staff members. You get to form true bonds with people and build a really good working relationship, and those conversations with customers when they're excited coming on their holidays really make my day!

Would you recommend working at the airport?

Absolutely, yes. My job’s exciting, it's interesting, it's fun, and yes, it's hard, but I couldn’t think of anywhere else I'd like to work.

Tell us something interesting about your job that passengers might not know?

It takes around 25 people in order to depart an aircraft on time, from the time it arrives, to the time it takes back off again. It's not just TUI, either – we have our service providers, like our caterers, our cleaners, our ramp agents, and we all have to work together.

Part of my role is to make sure that all those people are in the right place at the right time, coordinating their efforts and working as efficiently as possible.

What do you like to do when you’re not at work?

I have two young children so I love spending time with my family. On days off, we play football far too much and we like to travel! TUI offers some great staff benefits and I take the opportunity to go away with my family as much as possible.

Which destination that Tui serves from Manchester do you most want to visit?

The destination I would most like to visit with my family is Orlando. With TUI we’re really lucky, we fly to Melbourne Airport, which is just outside of Orlando. It’s a smaller airport and TUI are the only UK carrier that flies there, so the queues clearing US immigration are reduced, and that's how I want to start my holiday!

Millions of passengers travel through Manchester Airport every summer, many of whom will be young families taking their first trips abroad together.

Manchester Airport has shared its top tips for a breezy getaway when travelling with babies and young children, with advice on planning your journey, what to pack and how to keep your little ones entertained during the flight.

Allow plenty of time

Don’t add an extra layer of stress to your journey by cutting it too fine. Arrive at the earliest time your airline recommends – this is normally two hours before departure for a short-haul flight, or three hours in advance for a long-haul trip.

Plan your journey to the airport in advance – make sure you’re aware of any roadworks that could affect your route, and if travelling by public transport, keep a close eye on schedule updates.

If your child hasn’t flown before, explain to them what to expect

Airports are a very different environment to what young children might be used to in their day-to-day lives, and while the experience is exciting for many, it may be overwhelming for others.

Make sure your child understands what to expect when checking in, passing through security, and boarding the aircraft. If your child has additional needs, Manchester Airport operates a sunflower lanyard scheme, which lets staff know that the wearer might require extra time or a more detailed explanation of what they need to do.

What to pack if you’re travelling with a young child

For young children, make sure you pack some of their favourite toys, along with books or puzzles to keep them entertained while you’re on holiday. Travelling may be tiring for young kids, so pack a travel pillow, and make sure you also have wet wipes to hand in case of any mishaps. Hard sweets can help with the sensation of ears popping when the plane takes off and lands so pack some for your child to suck on – or, alternatively, a dummy for babies or very young children.

What to pack if you’re travelling with a baby

For babies, be sure to pack dummies, nappies, wet wipes, and a change of clothes in your hand luggage, so you’re covered for the plan journey. Plastic bags are also useful, to dispose of used nappies and to wrap any clothes that get dirty.

Breast milk can be brought in hand luggage in containers of up to 2000ml (even if you’re travelling without your baby), and you can also bring formula milk, cow’s milk, soya milk, sterilised water, baby food and cooling gel packs, but your baby must be travelling with you.

Consider whereabouts on the plane is best for you to sit and book seats in advance

Having an aisle seat close to a toilet might be the most convenient option if you’re travelling with a baby.

With young children, a window seat may help to keep them entertained – but may also be disorienting or even distressing to them if they’re not used to flying, or have a fear of heights, so weigh up the best option for your family. It’s best to book the seats that suit your needs rather than risk being randomly allocated to seats that aren’t suitable.

Bring something to keep the kids entertained

Books, toys or games for the flight are well worth packing, particularly if you’re travelling with a budget airline, as they may not offer in-flight entertainment.

If you’re stumped for ideas, Manchester Airport’s ‘Little Book of Travel Tales’ is packed with puzzles, interesting facts about the airport and stories about travel written by children from the communities the airport serves. 

How long have you been working at the airport?

I've been at the airport for 21 years now, straight out of college. I started with Travelex, then joined the security team, became a security team leader, progressed to security manager, and then I've moved on to airfield ops which I've always wanted to do.

What does your job involve?

We do a variety of jobs across the airfield, from marshalling the aircraft onto the stands to runway inspections, taxiway checks, auditing, and wildlife control. If our ATC colleagues (Air Traffic Control) need anything checking down on the ground level, we’re the people that they'll ask to check that for them.

Running a safe and efficient airfield is the overall goal. Ideally, we want on-time performance – the aircraft to come in on time, and to leave on time – and we want the airfield to run safely.

What skills are needed for the role?

You need to be very proactive, because if we see something out here that's not right, we have to get it sorted and it's better to get it sorted beforehand, rather than after a safety issue has arisen.

Obviously, we've got to be reactive as well because some things are out of our control. You've got to be good at being able to prioritise your work. We may take two, three, four jobs at one time and we have to decide right there and then which one is the main safety issue. You've just got to be prepared for everything, really!

How does the airfield team deal with extreme weather?

Each type of extreme weather has its own issues, but the one that causes the most problems is probably the snow. Just a few millimetres of settled snow could be enough to close an airfield because of the hazards it poses to large, heavy aircraft travelling at speed, so you need to be proactively treating the runway before any snowfall, and then clearing anything that does settle.

Even if there's only a 20 per cent chance of snow in the forecast, the airport brings in resilience teams to clear the snow immediately to try and get passengers back on their way at the earliest opportunity.

What about keeping wildlife away from the airfield?

Any wildlife on or above the airfield can obviously pose a danger to aircraft, and vice versa, so we have to be alert to that and it's very challenging!

The birds are pretty persistent, but we have a number of methods to be able to get rid of them. We have distress signals on the vehicles, which replicate the calls of certain common species, and we have air pistols to send up flares. Sometimes the best course of action is just get out of your vehicle and clap your hands, and they’ll go. We also keep the grass around the airfield at a certain length to prevent ground nesting birds from settling there.

What is the best thing about working here?

The best thing that's come out of me working at the airport is that I met my now wife here when I was on security. We've got two beautiful boys, my family mean everything to me and that's what the airport has brought me. I'll be forever grateful for that.

Would you recommend working at the airport?

I absolutely would recommend working here. I've been at the airport for 21 years myself - there's obviously something good about the place that makes me stay here!

Only a couple of months ago, I had a ‘Bring Your Child to Work Day’ with my eldest child and a load of other kids that colleagues had brought in with them, and we showed them the airfield, Olympic house, and the fire station. That's the future of Manchester Airport – I’m sure some of them will be here in 20 years and I hope my lad is one of them.

Which destination that we serve from Manchester do you most want to visit?

My ideal destination would be Orlando, for the kids. You've got a bit of everything there – the sea, the Space Centre - which I love – the theme parks too.

What do you like to do when you’re not at work?

The kids keep me very busy! Both of them play football. I’m a coach for my youngest child’s team, and my eldest’s team’s biggest fan. I'm into my sport generally – speedway, ice hockey, baseball – I’m just a bit of a sports madman really!

Manchester Airport is forecasting more than 1.5 million people will fly out from the northern hub each month between June and August, with destinations like Spain, Turkey, Croatia and Greece expected to draw visitors from across our region to their pristine beaches.

For many, however, their trip gets off to the wrong start when they realise they’ve forgotten to pack something essential.

Andrea Renshaw, a Customer Experience Ambassador at Manchester Airport, and her team patrol the terminal, directing passengers and answering their queries. Andrea talks us through some of the most commonly-forgotten items, and explains some of the issues you may face if you forget them, as well as providing her top tips for guarding against any holiday hiccups.

Your passport (!)

“It may sound obvious but when you’re scribbling down a list of the things you need to pack, your passport should be right at the top of that list, as you won’t be going very far without it!

“We do see passengers every day who, unfortunately, have misplaced or forgotten to pack their passports and in many cases it puts their trip on hold by a day or two – and costs them a lot of money – or they miss out on their holiday altogether.

“It’s also worth double-checking that your passport still has enough validity left when you travel, or you may run into problems. Most European countries require your passport to be valid until the end of your stay plus an additional three months, and to be less than 10 years old on the day you enter, while Turkey requires 150 days of validity and some other destinations we fly to require 6 months' validity from the date of your arrival. Make sure you check the rules for the country you're flying to.”

Phone charger

“Having to replace your phone charger while travelling is a minor annoyance, but what’s much more inconvenient is not realising you’ve forgotten it until your phone has run out of charge. We rely on our phones for so much nowadays, from offline maps at our destination to checking in for our flights home and downloading our boarding passes.

“Make sure your phone charger is packed and keep your battery topped up – you can take a portable power bank as a back-up if you’ll be on the road a lot.”

Travel Adaptor

“You’ll be able to get your hands on a travel adaptor at the airport if you forget to pack yours but you may struggle to find one if you don’t realise it’s missing until you’ve reached your destination – especially if you’re going off the beaten tourist track.

“Do your research on what type of power sockets are in use in the country you’re visiting and make sure your adaptor is compatible. A handful of countries, like Cyprus, Malta and Singapore, actually use the same type of plugs as we do – so no adaptor is necessary!”

Miniature toiletries/small containers

“Airports across the UK are gradually implementing new high-tech scanners that will make the 100ml liquid rule a thing of the past, but for now, it still stands – so do make sure any liquids, gels and pastes in your hand luggage comply and are presented in a resealable plastic bag. If you have any particular toiletries you want to take with you in your hand luggage, remember to pack them in the right quantities. You can take bigger quantities of liquids, gels and pastes in hold luggage, although they can add to the weight.

“One thing that’s worth remembering is that you can buy 100ml containers and transfer toiletries into them so you don’t need to buy miniature versions of your favourite brands or go without. This includes miniature perfume and aftershave atomisers.

“This applies to suncream too. It’s a good idea to bring some of the right factor with you if you’re going somewhere sunny but if you don’t have hold luggage you’ll need to make sure you don’t bring too much.”

First aid kit and medications

“A first aid kit is always worth packing and if you’re prescribed medications, I’d always suggest packing them in your hand luggage rather than your hold luggage, for peace of mind.

“Prescribed liquid medications can be carried in your hand luggage, even if they’re over 100ml – but you must also have a copy of the prescription from your GP, so remember to bring that with you.

“If you’re travelling with a baby, you can bring formula milk, cow’s milk, soya milk, sterilised water, baby food and cooling gel packs. Breast milk can be brought in hand luggage in containers of up to 2000ml, even if you’re travelling without your baby.”

Beach accessories

“For most of us, a summer holiday means sun, sea and sand, so while you can always buy another pair of swim shorts, a bikini, a beach towel or a bucket and spade, it’s an expense and an annoyance you could do without!”

Something to keep you entertained on the flight

“If you’re on a short-haul flight there may not be any in-flight entertainment, so it’s worth taking something to keep you occupied, particularly if you are travelling with young kids. That might be downloading TV shows, music or podcasts, so you can enjoy them offline – or if you’re a bit more old-fashioned you might prefer to pack a good book or puzzle magazine.”

Christine Wild, a Lounge Duty Manager, explains why the popularity of lounges is soaring, and recounts her stories of visits from some famous faces.

How long have you been working at the airport?

I've worked at Manchester Airport for nearly five years now. I came from a restaurant background, so this was a very exciting challenge for me. I don't like flying, believe it or not! When I saw this opportunity come up, I thought it might help me get over my fears, being surrounded by people who are excited about their trips away, and I'm not as scared of the planes anymore, so I do hopefully plan to have two holidays next year.

What does your job involve?

The main responsibility of a Lounge Duty Manager is to make sure that the lounge runs efficiently. We’re there to take care of the passengers, and also our team - happy teams, happy passengers!

A typical day in the lounge starts with making sure that all the reservation cards are out. We do have spaces then to take walk-up guests when we’re very busy, and we can make sure that if there's peaks and troughs we're staffed accordingly in those areas.

We then have to make sure that the buffet food is rotated and kept fresh, including swapping over between the breakfast and lunch menus, and check in with our passengers to make sure theyre enjoying their experience and answer any questions they may have.

How many lounges are there?

There are currently five lounges at Manchester Airport – two in T2, two in T3 and one in T1, under our Escape and 1903 brands. Escape is more family-oriented and 1903 is our premium offering. I’m predominantly based in the T2 lounges, but we do cover the other lounges as and when needed.

Why should passengers choose to visit the lounges?

Using the lounge when you’re going on holiday is a real treat for yourself and will help you destress and get off to the right start. When you get to the lounge, the next step is the plane, and when you see passengers in the lounges you’ll notice they’re comfortable, they’re relaxing.

There are quieter areas if people want a little bit more privacy. If anyone's a little nervous you’ll always find a member of staff willing to help. We'll be able to help them, take them a coffee, put them at ease and make a difference to their journey.

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport?

I am a talker, so to me, this was my perfect job – a job where I got paid to talk to people. I love to find out where they're going, where they've been. Airport life is a lot more exciting than other hospitality settings - people are a lot more willing to talk to you and to share their stories. A lot of our regular flyers feel part of our family. They recognise our colleagues and we know their names. That creates a really friendly and enjoyable environment to work in. It is a great job to have.

What skills are needed for the role?

The main skill I think you need is to be able to read a situation. A lot of people find travelling very stressful and we need to make sure that the time they spend with us helps get rid of that stress and makes them excited about their journey again.

We have very, very good staff working for us and I think that is what people remember when they leave us and go away on their travels. The facilities in the lounges are great, the food is tasty, but really, it’s the staff and the atmosphere we create that keeps people coming back again and again.

Who’s the most famous person you’ve served?

There have been a few! The most famous person that everybody would recognise is Terry Crews. My favourite was Paddy McGuinness because he felt like I saw him every day, he was so friendly, chatty and approachable. The most modest is probably Erik ten Hag, the Manchester United manager. He was very polite but unassuming and just wanted to be treated like everyone else.

Would you recommend working at the airport?

I feel very proud to tell people I work at the airport. I can say it with a smile on my face. It's a great environment and I've made some very good friends amongst the team and the passengers. I’d highly recommend it as a job to anybody.

What do you do in your free time?

I like to spend it with my grandchildren. I have a new baby grandson and two older grandchildren, so to me, my favourite time is spent with them.

Getting through security is a vital part of keeping everyone safe, and making sure you stick by the rules is key to avoiding unnecessary delays - having your items pulled aside for additional screening can add significantly to your wait time.

There are also many ways in which you can keep the number of trays you use to a minimum, so that you can get yourself through to the departure lounge as soon as possible and relax ahead of your flight.

Manchester Airport has put together a handy guide for passengers to help ensure your bags, coats and electricals and liquids fly through the checks.

Prep before you get to the front of the queue

Security staff can only screen you with one layer of clothing. Prepare by taking off outer layers and belts whilst you’re in the queue, so you can pack your tray more quickly when you get to the front.

Whilst you’re queueing, it’s also worth making sure you know what you need to remove from your bag, including small liquids bags and large electrical items such as laptops, and where those items are packed.

Remember to empty your pockets

Remember to check your trouser, skirt or shirt pockets and put any items into your bag or tray. If you leave items in pockets on your person, these will be picked up by our CT body scanners and you may need to be searched.

Remove electrical items from your bag

All large electrical items, whether mains or battery powered, must be removed from your bag and placed in a tray. As a guide, anything larger than A5 size or an iPad mini needs to be placed in a tray with nothing covering it up. 

Familiarise yourself with the rules on liquids

If you can spray, spread or pour something at room temperature, it counts as a liquid in aviation security terms. This includes aerosols such as asthma inhalers and foodstuffs, like butter or jam.

Liquids carried in your hand luggage cannot be packed in quantities greater than 100ml and must be placed into a clear, one litre resealable plastic bag.

Medicines containing liquids and prescribed by a medical professional can be taken and must be presented in a separate bag. The security officer will need to see evidence that these medications are prescribed to you.  

Over the next two years, Manchester Airport and other airports across the UK will be phasing in new screening technology, which will remove the restrictions on large containers of liquids and will allow passengers to leave liquids in their hand luggage during screening. Installing the new equipment will take time, however, so for now, you should continue to pack liquids separately in 100ml containers.

Make sure items in your tray are uncovered

Ensure that coats and jackets don’t cover up any liquids or electrical items in your tray, or the tray is likely to be pulled aside for a manual search.

If you have a lot of outerwear, you can take more than one tray if necessary.

If it is metallic, it goes in the tray

Wristwatches and small items of jewellery such as wedding rings can remain on your person, but other metallic objects – including belts – must be placed into your tray.

What are your main responsibilities as a Customer Experience Ambassador?

My role is quite varied and very interesting – it allows you to move around, helping passengers, answering their questions and ensuring they get to where they need to go. I work across various different parts of the passenger journey, from check-in to the departure lounge to arrivals. Passengers want a friendly face who they can feel comfortable approaching if they need some guidance.

How long have you been working at the airport?

I’ve worked at Manchester Airport for almost 24 years now. I’ve always been in the travel industry and I was a business travel specialist for 13 years, prior to joining the customer service team here.

Because of how long I’ve been here, I think I’m a fountain of knowledge, I have seen a lot of change but I know the airport inside out, so I’m confident in giving good advice to passengers.

What do you enjoy most about working at the airport?

It’s just a buzzing place! Being surrounded by the excitement of people going on holidays and trips abroad is great. I love what I do, the airport is my big family. But of course the most important thing is that our passengers are having an enjoyable experience.

I have a target each day when I come into work, whereby I’d like to do three good things at least, where I know I’ve really made a difference to someone’s trip. I want to make somebody’s day by going that extra mile, so it becomes a memorable time spent at Manchester Airport and they want to come back. When you go back home, you feel very satisfied and rewarded.

What are the most important skills to have as a Customer Experience Ambassador?

You have to have people skills, and you have to like to talk to people, because it is quite nerve-wracking when you’re coming to the airport as a traveller. You want to ensure you get through in good time and make your flight. Having those people skills to be able to reassure passengers and put a smile on their faces is a really important part of doing the job well.

It also really helps to build up a good knowledge of the airport, the layout, and the kinds of issues passengers might encounter, so you’re well prepared to answer any questions that are put to you.

Which destination that we serve from Manchester do you most want to visit?

Well, we don’t serve it directly from Manchester, but I would love to go to Australia! You can get a connecting flight there from Manchester with one of our Middle Eastern carriers, so maybe in the future that is something I will have to look into. I have family living out there so I hope to go and visit one day.

Do you have any tips for passengers on how to get the most from their airport experience?

My top tip would be to be prepared and to arrive early – at the earliest time your airline recommends – which is normally two or three hours before you fly. You don’t need to arrive any earlier than that though and you may add to congestion in the terminal if you do. Make sure your travel documents are in order. Don’t leave everything to the last minute.