Manchester Airport is to add Mumbai to it’s route map later this year as Jet Airways plans to launch the North’s first direct flight service to India’s economic capital.

The four-times-a-week service is due to start on 5 November, with “the route tipped to deliver a major economic boost to the Northern economy.”

The service is set to go live ahead of the annual Diwali festival, offering a connection for the more than 500,000 people of Indian origin living across the North of England, and will also connect the North to Indian tourists.

International trade secretary, Dr Liam Fox said: “From Manchester to Mumbai, Jet Airways’ only direct route between the North of England and India will strengthen connections between two major global cities and the wider Northern Powerhouse. More than a hundred Indian companies are based in the North West alone and this route will further trade relations worth £18bn between the world’s largest and oldest democracies.

“As an international economic department, DIT will always support businesses in accessing global opportunities,” he added.

Jet will initially fly from Manchester to Mumbai on Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, and will operate an A330-200 with 254 seats on the route.

India is the world’s seventh largest economy, growing at around 7.2% year-on-year, and is one of the UK Government’s top target markets for foreign direct investment. There are also more than 100 Indian companies with bases across the North.

This service marks a success for the Manchester-India Partnership (MIP) launched in both countries earlier this year which aims to further economic and cultural collaboration between the two locations.

The partnership is chaired by Manchester Airport CEO Andrew Cowan who said: “Securing a direct service to one of India’s major cities is the product of a lot of hard work over a long period of time to forge closer ties between Manchester and this globally significant economy.

“We have worked, along with a range of partners, to create a compelling case for why our city – and the wider North – is a great place to visit, invest in and do business with. I am delighted Jet Airways have recognised this by launching what I’m sure will be a hugely popular service, not least for the 500,000 people of Indian origin living across the North,” he added.

“Direct connectivity to the world’s most important markets is key to creating a prosperous and internationally competitive Northern economy, and a balanced and outward facing UK.

“This route will deliver a major boost to businesses looking to export to the world’s fastest-growing economy, as well as helping to attract Indian visitors and investors to the North. We look forward to working with Jet Airways on launching the Mumbai service in the months ahead,” Cowan continued.

Over the past three years, 10 companies have invested in the North West, creating more than 100 jobs, ranging from Bollywood post-production outfits to technology firms.

“I am delighted that Manchester will be directly connected to Mumbai in November when Jet Airways commences operations on this sector. Both the cities are vibrant commercial hubs and a direct flight will not only promote tourism but also enhance our multifaceted engagement,” said the High Commissioner of India to the UK, Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha.

“With India emerging as the fastest growing large economy in the world and Manchester becoming an increasingly important tech and innovation centre, this new service will drive growth in the Northern Powerhouse by directly linking it with India’s commercial capital, further strengthening the Manchester India Partnership.”

Image: Jet Airways chairman Naresh Goyal and Manchester Airport CEO Andrew Cowan announce direct flights to Mumbai.

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