North of England set for first ever direct flights to India

Indian airline Jet Airways is launching Northern England’s first ever direct service to Mumbai.

The carrier confirmed plans to introduce flights between Manchester Airport and the capital of India later this year.

Jetting off four times a week, the route will open up the North for millions of Indian tourists.

It will also connect the 500,000 people of Indian origin living in the airport’s catchment area with the capital of the world’s seventh biggest economy.

Welcoming the news, Secretary of State for International Trade Dr Liam Fox said: “From Manchester to Mumbai, Jet Airways’ only direct route between the North of England and India will strengthen connections between two major global cities and the wider Northern Powerhouse.

“More than 100 Indian companies are based in the North West alone and this route will further trade relations worth £18bn between the world’s largest and oldest democracies.”

He added: “As an international economic department, DIT will always support businesses in accessing global opportunities.”

Jet will operate the route with a 254-seater A330-200.

Manchester Airport CEO Andrew Cowan commented: “Securing a direct service to one of India’s major cities is the product of a lot of hard work over a long period of time to forge closer ties between Manchester and this globally significant economy.

“We have worked, along with a range of partners, to create a compelling case for why our city – and the wider North – is a great place to visit, invest in and do business with.”

He continued: “I am delighted Jet Airways have recognised this by launching what I’m sure will be a hugely popular service. Direct connectivity to the world’s most important markets is key to creating a prosperous and internationally competitive Northern economy, and a balanced and outward facing UK.

“This route will deliver a major boost to businesses looking to export to the world’s fastest-growing economy, as well as helping to attract Indian visitors and investors to the North.”

News of the service marks an early success for the Manchester-India Partnership, established earlier this year with the aim of furthering economic and cultural collaboration between the two countries.

The route launch was backed by Trade Minister Baroness Fairhead, Manchester inward investment agency MIDAS and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

The first flights will depart on November 5.

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