Manchester: Your Airport, MAN

On our final episode of the series, Tom takes to the skies with TUI pilot Damian Ikin to find out what really goes on inside the cockpit. And on the ground, Adam explains how Manchester Airport dealt with the recent air traffic control outage.

Can you take a cat skull through security? Tom and Adam get an insight into the weird and wonderful questions answered by Ellie Todd and Ffion Williams from Manchester Airport's social media team. And speaking of questions, they put some of yours to Managing Director, Chris Woodroofe.

Feeling hungry? Tom and Adam get stuck into the culinary delights on offer at Manchester Airport. Keith McAvoy from the brewing company Seven Bro7hers treats Tom to a tipple and shares what it’s like to run the Amber Ale House in Terminal 2. On the business end, Commercial Director Stephen Turner explains how Manchester Airport chooses which bars and restaurants to put in its terminals.

From supersonic flight to streamlined security, Tom and Adam are on a mission to find out more about the tech changing the way we travel. They speak to Antonio Filippone, Professor of Computational Aerodynamics at the University of Manchester, about new developments in the sky – and on the ground they sit down with Operations Director, Rad Taylor, who discusses his role in helping the airport roll out the latest technology.

Ever wondered what it’s like to work at thirty thousand feet? Tom and Adam sit down with Virgin Atlantic Cabin Crew, Nick Rowbotham, who lets them in on the secrets of the skies.

As we move into the summer season, Tom and Adam take a look into the future. Transformation Programme Delivery Director, Jill Fraser, shares the latest on the £1.3 billion investment that will change the face of Manchester Airport. Tom and Adam also hear from the next generation as they talk with Max, a member of the airport’s Youth Forum, and Community Engagement Manager Julie Walker. Find out more about Manchester Airport’s Transformation Programme here: www.mantp.co.uk

How do you sell Manchester to the world? Tom and Adam unpack the anatomy of a deal with globetrotting Aviation Director, Rob Smith. They also ask the big question - how do we make air travel sustainable? Adam Freeman, Head of Environmental Strategy, shares the huge strides Manchester Airport has made to becoming the UK’s first independently certified carbon neutral airport.

From the ‘bird-scarer’ to the ‘snow-man’ Tom and Adam hear about Manchester Airport’s weirdest jobs and hit the tarmac with Airfield Operations Manager, Peter Griffiths. They’ll also visit Jo Jackson in the airport’s AeroZone, an interactive education centre, where Tom gets a taste of some of the most exciting roles Manchester Airport has to offer.Find out more about the AeroZone here: https://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/education/

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Tom and Adam speak to the people who spend their lives watching the skies. Air Traffic Controller, Tom Englander, talks through the ins and outs of his job up in the tower. On the ground, aviation enthusiasts Martin and Andy share the thrill of streaming Manchester’s biggest arrivals and departures to their half-a-million followers on the channel Airliners Live. Follow Martin and Andy on Airliners Live here:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMT8bf9CCfdLb_DTwJidOngFind out more about the Runway Visitor Park here: https://www.runwayvisitorpark.co.uk/

Travelling can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Simon Calder, one of the country’s best-known travel journalists, shares his top-tips for a smooth journey through the airport. Tom and Adam also hear from the people on hand when journeys just don’t go to plan – the Airport Chaplains. From births, deaths and even weddings, they’ve truly seen it all.

Ever wondered what it’s like to fly as a VIP? From sports stars to superstars, reality to royalty, Airport Duty Manager, Karen Robinson has seen her fair share of celebrities. Tom and Adam hear all about it and get a backstage pass to the airport’s control room. They’ll also sit down in an executive lounge with Head of Hospitality, Mart Louwerse, as they talk through the glamorous side of Manchester Airport.

As Manchester Airport prepares to celebrate its 85th birthday, Tom Fordyce and co-host Adam Jupp, the airport’s Communications Director, speak to the man in charge. Managing Director, Chris Woodroofe, gives a unique insight into running one of the UK’s busiest airports and looks ahead to the future. Tom and Adam also hear from long-serving colleagues about how working at Manchester Airport gets under their skin and from Debbie Riley, Chair of The Aviation Society, who reflects on the last 85 years. 

Coming soon - Manchester: Your Airport, MAN. It’s one of the largest airports in the UK, connecting nearly 30 million people a year from all corners of the North to hundreds of destinations around the world - but it’s so much more than an airport.Join broadcaster Tom Fordyce, as he goes behind the scenes at Manchester Airport.