Manchester From Manston In Just Seventy Minutes
Miles better - new air link to Manchester beats road and rail!
FLYBE's brand-new air link from Manston to Manchester took to the skies today... and bosses at the airport are delighted that Kent is now just seventy minutes away from a top city that offers so much for a short break.
The new Manchester service, which operates every day except Saturday, is Flybe's second low-cost venture from the Kent airport and onward connections are available via Manchester to Glasgow, Belfast and Inverness. The Edinburgh route started in May and is proving extremely popular with local people.
The airport's CEO Charles Buchanan sees demand growing for Manchester from both the business and leisure markets, and now you can get there fast six days a week.
"It takes over four hours to drive to Manchester, and if you take the train, you've got to go via London which can take in excess of 5 hours. So it's a no-brainer - flying from Manston is miles better.
"And it's not just a time-saving benefit. Manston is a real hassle-free experience. We're easy to get to, there's no M25 to negotiate and you can board the aircraft metres from where you park your car."
Charles revealed a number of quirky facts about Greater Manchester.
"Over twenty of the Nobel prize winners have come from Manchester. The first modern computer was built in Manchester, the atom was first split in Manchester and it's where Mr Rolls met Mr Royce. And famous Mancunians include Ricky Hatton, Peter Kay, Bill Oddie, LS Lowry, Morrissey, Noel Gallagher and Mick Hucknall."
England's Northwest is recognised as one of Europe's top visitor destinations and Charles enthused about what Manchester has to offer Kent people looking for a memorable city break.
"Whether you're a foodie, a football fan or a dedicated follower of fashion, Manchester has got the lot.
"It's one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in the UK, with award-winning attractions, excellent shopping, lively nightlife and a spectacular events programme.
"For example, this year's Large Visitor Attraction of the Year was Manchester Art Gallery which is a must-see for any visitor to the city. In fact there are over 90 fascinating museums and galleries in the city region, and most are free to enter.
"Foodies will find lots to tempt them. The River Bar & Restaurant at the Lowry Hotel won the Taste of Manchester award this year and it's a faultless dining experience. When you're hungry, you'll be spoilt for choice with over thirty different cuisines city-wide to tempt you.
"Its Christmas Markets are another award-winner. They are now a must-do for all visitors to Manchester over the Christmas period - which is just fifteen weeks away.
"If you're a football fan, you can experience the electric atmosphere of a home game at Old Trafford or the City of Manchester Stadium. Or you can delve behind-the-scenes at Man U and City football clubs on a stadium tour."
Charles added: "At night, there's so much to keep you entertained, with world-class concerts, shows and ballet at the array of theatres. You can catch an international pop artist at the Manchester Evening News Arena or an up and coming band at smaller venues such as Band on the Wall.
"Manchester really has it all...and now it's just over an hour away from Kent."
Flights are from £24.99 one way including taxes. They depart Manston at 12:15 and arrive in Manchester 13:25.
For more information, go to www.flybe.com
6 Sep 2010