A special short film created by Manchester airport and renowned poet Tony Walsh is released today to mark the airport’s 80th birthday.
Called ‘Time Flies’, the film tells the story of Manchester’s evolution from a single wooden hut in 1938 to the UK’s third largest airport and a key driver of global trade and tourism for the north of England.
It features memories from passengers, businesses and airport workers, with the words used to narrate the footage penned by famous Mancunian wordsmith Walsh.
The collaboration comes as the airport continues with its £1bn Transformation Programme. The film features aerial footage of construction.
Airport chief executive Andrew Cowan said: “Looking back over the past 80 years has made us appreciate more than ever the important role Manchester airport has played in the lives of so many people across the north.
“We have unearthed so many stories, from people’s first time on board an aircraft, special holidays and family reunions, to husbands meeting their wives and rock stars passing through our terminals.
“There really was no better person to work with on this special project than Tony, whose words capture the sense of pride we all feel about Manchester, and the wider north, and celebrate the things we are famous for around the world.
“And there is no better time to be celebrating how the airport has developed over the years, as we look forward to creating the world-class gateway the north deserves through the largest investment in our history.”