Airport boss calls for Northern Powerhouse revival

The Northern Powerhouse Rail project would include a new high-speed rail system across northern England.

Poor transport links across the north of England are holding back its economic potential, Manchester Airport's boss has said.

Managing director Chris Woodroofe said the Northern Powerhouse Rail project, if revived by Labour, would be vital to boosting international investment and exports for northern businesses.

A recent survey, funded by Manchester Airport Groups and business group Growing Together Alliance, showed just 22% of northern businesses expected to increase sales in the coming quarter, compared with 51% in London.

Mr Woodroofe said it was important to "open up the catchment of Manchester Airport and [make] it a more attractive place to bring a new airline to, a new route to".

Chris Woodroofe says northern businesses have less confidence in the future than those in London

He said the new direct route between Manchester and Mumbai, launched by airline IndiGo in July, was predicted to generate an extra £32m in exports for the region.

Mr Woodroofe added that the project - which would include a new high-speed rail system between northern cities and a new station west of Manchester Airport - would also encourage more people to travel abroad via Manchester.

Only 14% of people currently travel to Manchester Airport by train, compared with 40% who travel by train to any of London's airports, he said.

"Why is there a difference? It's because of transport infrastructure," he said.

"A new Liverpool-Manchester line that goes via Manchester Airport and on to Bradford, Leeds and beyond has the backing of public and private sector leaders across the North and we await announcements eagerly."

In October last year, the then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak controversially cancelled the plan to extend HS2 between the West Midlands and Manchester amid spiralling costs.

Business and political leaders have called for Chancellor Rachel Reeves to revive projects associated with Northern Powerhouse in its place.