Manchester Airport welcomes Kuwait Airways’ direct flights between Kuwait and Manchester
- Kuwait Airways set to launch direct flights to Manchester from 1st May
- Currently 49,000 passengers from the North of England travel there indirectly
- Inbound tourism boom predicted as pre-pandemic 23,000 people a year from Kuwait visited the North West, spending more than £22m
- Route set to be popular for students, with 2,960 currently studying at universities in Manchester Airport’s catchment area
- Flights welcomed by a range of stakeholders and organisations
- For more information, visit: www.kuwaitairways.com/en
Manchester, UK, 2022-Apr-30 — /Travel PR News/ — Almost 50,000 people from across the North of England are set for a boost as direct flights launch between Kuwait and Manchester from Sunday 1st May.
With three flights a week (Sunday/Tuesday/Thursday), the route is a boost for businesses, tourism organisations, universities and those visiting friends and family.
Currently 49,000 people from across Manchester Airport’s vast catchment area travel indirectly to Kuwait, these are a mix of those visiting family and friends and businesses that trade in the Middle East. A further 800,000 people from across the North travel to a range of Kuwait Airways’ onward destinations that are not currently served by Manchester Airport, so the route will also be beneficial to those wanting to access places like Bangkok, Mumbai, Delhi, and Manila to name a few.
The flights are also set to be popular with students, with universities championing the start of services, as currently 2,960 Kuwaiti students are studying across Manchester Airport’s catchment area. Tourism bodies are also heralding the route, which pre-pandemic saw more than 23,000 people a year from Kuwait visit the North West, spending more than £22 million.
Ian Costigan, Interim Managing Director at Manchester Airport, said:
“It’s great news that Kuwait Airways is starting direct flights from Manchester Airport, and I am sure it will be incredibly well received by the thousands of people in our catchment area that travel there indirectly each year.
“The announcement of another long-haul route coming to Manchester clearly shows the role we play in connecting the North to key global destinations. Not only do routes like these make travel easier, but they put the region on the international map for trade, economic and tourism opportunities, plus create a wealth of jobs in the process.
“I look forward to welcoming the team from Kuwait Airways to the airport and wish them every success with the route.”
Maen Razouqi, Kuwait Airways Chief Executive Officer, stated:
“Kuwait Airways is proceeding ahead, according to its well-thought-out and effective plans in moving forward towards expanding its network of operations around the world, with the launch of new and diverse destinations that suit the preferences of its customers and meet their aspirations. Accordingly, the Company launches its scheduled flights to Manchester in the United Kingdom from 1st May 2022, with three flights per week on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
“Manchester as a destination is of great importance to Kuwait Airways’ customers. The selection came after an increased demand for it as a distinct destination for tourists, especially in the summer season, which is expected to witness an unprecedented boom in the tourism, travel, and hospitality sectors. In addition, the launching of Manchester as a destination in KAC’s network will assist a large segment of students to study abroad in Universities in Manchester and in England.
“Moreover, Kuwait Airways, as the National Carrier of Kuwait, owns a new young fleet, supported by the latest technology that keeps pace with the aspirations of customers in the aviation sector, including entertainment, comfortable seats, excellent service, and assistance. The presence of the fleet and the arrival of the new aircraft will greatly contribute to the implementation of the plans, reach the desired objectives, and will also support the services offered to passengers, in providing a safe and pleasant journey on board the Blue Bird.”
Kuwait Airways was awarded a coveted 5-star rating from the Airline Passenger Experience Association for 2019, which is the industry benchmark for exceptional customer service. The route will be served by an A320 NEO offering both economy and business class. The airline’s onboard service in business class includes an extensive selection of delicious Kuwait-style and international meal options and international inflight entertainment. Lie-flat bed options also allow for total comfort and relaxation during the flight. Economy class also offers excellent entertainment and onboard services, plus there’s a great deal of space between seats allowing for extra comfort.
Flights arrive in Manchester at 11.45am UK time and depart at 12.45pm.
For more information see: www.kuwaitairways.com/en
Supportive Quotes:
Susana Córdoba, Head of International Trade at the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said:
“We are delighted to learn about the new Manchester-Kuwait route launching next week via Kuwait Airways. This is a step forward in revamping and strengthening current trade flows between not just Greater Manchester but the North of England with Kuwait and the wider Gulf Cooperation countries. Whilst we have seen some decline in exports to the GCC region up to 2020, there has been also an important recovery throughout 2021 and having a regular connection with this high growth emerging markets, will definitely help to sustain and further grow bilateral trade and investment amongst our regions.”
Chris Brown, Director of Marketing Liverpool, said:
“We’re delighted to see a new direct flight connecting the North West and Kuwait. Liverpool has a thriving community of Kuwaiti students living in the city and Liverpool FC has a passionate and growing supporters club in the country. This new route will make it easier to experience Liverpool’s fantastic offer to visitors and students.”
Sheona Southern, Managing Director of Marketing Manchester, said:
“We are pleased to welcome the news of Kuwait Airways’ new route from Kuwait to Manchester, which is another sign of confidence that international travel is returning to the region. This direct connectivity will bring significant economic benefits to the visitor economy, which prior to the pandemic saw 23,000 people visit the North West from Kuwait, contributing £22 million to the regional economy. We look forward to offering a warm welcome to business and leisure visitors from Kuwait, who will be able to experience all of what the region has to offer from culture and football to music and shopping.”
Contact:
Manchester Airport
Tеl: 0161 489 2700
Email: press.office@manairport.co.uk
Source: Manchester Airport
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