Manchester Airport has praised the transformative potential of Greater Manchester’s Bee Network, an integrated transport initiative delivering the UK’s first locally-controlled bus network outside London in nearly 40 years.
The airport has joined other local businesses in celebrating the network’s ability to drive economic growth, improve connectivity, and create new opportunities for both residents and employers.
The Bee Network, which completed its rollout across Greater Manchester on 5 January 2025, brings improved bus services to the city region.
Manchester Airport, a significant local employer and economic contributor, has embraced the network’s benefits, citing its ability to connect people to employment, education, and services more effectively.
Jen Byrne-Smith, Customer Operations Director at Manchester Airport said:As the UK’s largest airport outside of London, serving 30 million passengers a year, connectivity is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’re backing the Bee Network and the vital role it plays in bringing everyone in Greater Manchester closer together and improving our transport links – including making it easier to get to the airport for our passengers and our staff.
With improved transport links, the Bee Network is breaking down barriers to employment and enabling the airport to access a greater labour pool.
What’s more, the network is also underpinning Manchester Airport’s ambitious growth plans. The airport aims to serve up to 60 million passengers by 2050, a target that depends on strong regional connectivity.
