we're going through the tightest period I can remember but before too long those 2 runways will be occupied as they previously were
On what possible basis is this comment made ?
BMI could not make MAN pay despite high load factors and a domestic network fed from other UK points.
BA/Virgin have no intention of expanding outside the South East.
It is highley unlikley we will get a wide range and more importantly a "sustainable" number of Asian airlines in the near term.
Air Asia ...possibly ! but hardly 20-30 flights a day !
There are vested commercial interests in global alliances that favour Heathrow, so no opportunities with say Qantas SAA etc.
The US market is pretty much tied up....
So apart from an increase in the UK IT market to Spain/Turkey etc and the "odd" new service or modest increase in capacity where on earth is the growth coming from not just to get us back to pre 2007 levels but to take us to 35m....?
I would love to believe otherwise but if you think there is a queue of long haul and even short airlines waiting to get into Manchester you are deluded.
For a variety of reason MAN missed the boat, or should I say plane !