Manchester Airport Celebrates 80th Birthday with Tony Walsh Film

SAM | 25th June 2018

Treasured tales of travel spanning eight decades have inspired a special short film created by Manchester Airport and world-renowned poet Tony Walsh.

 

Called “Time Flies,” it has been released to celebrate the airport’s 80th birthday.

 

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 whole of the North.

 

It features poignant memories from passengers, businesses and airport workers past and present, with the words used to narrate the footage penned by famous Mancunian wordsmith Tony.

 

The collaboration comes as the airport continues with its £1bn Transformation Programme, with the film featuring stunning aerial footage of the construction site, showcasing the scale and significance of the project.

 

Andrew Cowan, CEO of Manchester Airport, 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.”

 

Tony Walsh said: “The airport evokes so many special memories for people in the North West. It’s been an honour to spend time with the airport staff, getting to know the history and understanding the future. It’s been a fascinating project and I’m really looking forward to sharing my work and highlighting the achievements of the past 80 years and no doubt evoking a few emotions too.”