Manchester Airport route network expansion becomes an interesting model for the industry. Part 1

As Manchester Airports Group (MAG) considers its route network development strategy, three major external factors will shape its future:

Firstly, the UK Airports Commission's deliberations on future UK airport capacity increases and where they should be, if at all.

Although Manchester Airport handles more passengers, for now at least it appears to play a secondary role in the group's strategy to MAG's recent acquisition, Stansted Airport.

Secondly, the delivery (or not) of 'HS2', the high-speed rail system that would serve Manchester Airport directly and also a station at Derby, close to the group's East Midlands Airport.

Finally, the creation of an 'airport city' on land close to Manchester Airport, which will be the UK's first such planned development. All these factors impose on Manchester Airport's route network planning, which has already been undergoing a transformation in recent years.

This is the first of a two part report on MAG, the ingredients in its network planning - LCCs, Gulf airlines and China - and the likely role of the Airport City.