THE British economy would "take off" if Manchester Airport was expanded, a top Government minister has said.

Speaking in Manchester, transport minister John Spellar said that any future expansion of the airport would help boost the economy and attract international business.

John Spellar said: "There are big issues for regional economies, where access to air travel is a very important matter for international business.

"Manchester is an airport which is very well placed for that -- it attracts people from more than just the Manchester catchment area."

Last month, the Transport Secretary Alistair Darling started seeking the views of industry and local communities on the best way that aviation services should develop in the north over the next 30 years.

Mr Darling said: "We have built the fourth largest economy in the world on our ability to trade. Air travel is crucial to our expanding economy and we need to plan for the future."

Manchester Airport opened its second runway two years ago, and could still expand in the future if the demand for air services continues to grow in the region.