Transport links are key to Northern Powerhouse success

Improving east-west transport links is the key to unlocking the North’s economic growth and it is time to get that investment started, a conference on the future of the Northern Powerhouse was told.

He told a session on transport and infrastructure at the Northern Powerhouse International Conference in Manchester that better connectivity would create a greater catchment area for the airport and that would help it attract more long-haul flights.

Mr Hawkins also said the government needed to consider what Manchester Airport’s role could be in terms of its Brexit vision and its industrial and aviation strategies, as well as the Northern Powerhouse. He said: “There needs to be a strategic view about connectivity and how that can be provided.”

He told delegates: “It is important to be able to have direct flights into the North East.” And he added: “The North East needs its own gateway airport.”

“Few would doubt that current transport links between the northern cities and particularly trans-Pennine are not good.”

He said there was “real momentum” in creating a clear programme of future transport projects and priorities agreed across the North.

He added: “The priority is better rail links west to east, improved journey times and capacity.”

Graeme Mason also highlighted plans to cut air passenger duty in Scotland, putting airports in the North at a disadvantage.

Thousands of people have attended the two day conference and exhibition at Manchester Central. It has brought together business leaders, world-leading experts and political heavyweights to help drive the success of the Northern Powerhouse project.