Manchester Airport prepares to promote itself as 'World Logistics Hub'

THE Manchester Airports Group (MAG) has submitted an outline planning application for the development of a 'World Logistics Hub' in the southern part of Greater Manchester's Enterprise Zone at Manchester Airport.

The hub would include the development of between 113,800 to 127,000 square metres of new logistics space in the Enterprise Zone, according to the British International Freight Association (BIFA).

"This scheme will create a commercial product with access to the global marketplace and a population of over 24 million people within a two-hour drive time," said MAG Airport City director John Atkins.

"This connectivity will create an exceptional opportunity to improve international trade, cut transit times and drive more efficient supply chains," Mr Atkins said.

BIFA highlights that the North West of England currently produces 60 per cent of the UK's industrial output, a significant proportion of which is exported.

The proposed development programme is for a mix of medium- and small-sized logistics units ranging from approximately 700 to 18,580 square metres across a 36.9 hectare site next to Junction 6 of the M56 motorway, and close to the existing airport freight area, said the BIFA newsletter.

Manchester Airport is the UK's fourth busiest airport by flown cargo volumes, carrying over 107,000 tonnes of import and export freight and mail in 2011.