MANCHESTER, August 7. /Dunyo IA/. Ambassador of Uzbekistan Ravshan Usmanov met with Mr. Rhys Whalley, Director of Corporate Affairs at Manchester Airports Group (MAG), reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

During the negotiations, the parties discussed prospects for developing transport connectivity between Uzbekistan and the United Kingdom, specifically the possibility of opening direct air service on the Tashkent–Manchester route.

British side noted that Manchester Airport is one of the largest transport and logistics hubs in the north of the United Kingdom and in Northern Europe. The airport's annual passenger traffic exceeds 32 million people, and the presence of two runways allows for a potential increase in this figure to 70 million passengers per year.

It was also emphasized that the rapid development of the aviation industry in Uzbekistan and the growing potential of domestic airlines create a solid foundation for opening a new direct route between Tashkent and Manchester.

British side expressed confidence that the launch of direct air service would facilitate not only the strengthening of business and tourist ties between the two countries, but also the expansion of Uzbekistan's transit opportunities, ensuring closer integration with European and other international route networks. Rhys Whalley stated his readiness to provide the necessary support to Uzbek air carriers and assist in the implementation of the project.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to closely interact in resolving organizational matters related to the launch of direct flights.

“Manchester Airports Group” (MAG) is the UK's largest airport operator, managing Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands airports. Founded in 2001, the company served 54 million passengers across its group airports last year. Its contribution to the UK economy exceeded £8 billion and its workforce comprises more than 7,000 employees.