CX
I did use CX many times from MAN when it operated. i thought the loads were reasonable in both classes, especially as loads were restricted to xx number of pax out of MAN due to the stop overs. Obviously CX shift alot of cargo through MAN. There is a huge Chinese community in the region.
The last time I flew CX HKG-LHR there was about 100 pax on a B744.
An evening departure from MAN would connect with all their Australian flights, which the old services did not do. So there is good potential here.
However, I'd guess you'd see Air China pax flights many moons before you see a Cathay one, mainly due to the One World London Airways cartel.