MANCHESTER Airport leaders today launched an "open skies" campaign attacking government aviation policies. They held a press conference in Blackpool - scene of the Labour Party conference this week - to unveil a report by analysts which highlights the projected impact of the government's failure to achieve further liberalisation of air services.

York Consulting say that no change to the existing system would cost the North-west region the equivalent of 10,000 full-time jobs and £140 million of income per year by 2005.

The airport is lobbying for free access for all international airlines to all routes - particularly those to regional airports.

A spokesman said it would replace the "outmoded" system of bi-lateral agreements whereby governments regulated and negotiated routes on behalf of airlines.

Cllr Graham Stringer, Chairman of Manchester Airport Board, said: "We are demanding that the government progresses air service liberalisation as quickly as possible.

"Manchester has already lost out this year with, for example, additional frequencies by Singapore Airlines, a summer service by Egyptair and a new route by Air Jamaica - due to ridiculous bilateral problems.

"If the government does not speed-up liberalisation they will irreparably damage the economic well-being of the North-west as proved in the report."

He added: "No government, even one bent on protectionism of the South-east economy, could justify such a potential economic blow to their northern voters."

The airport campaign is supported by Chris Clifford, Regional Director of the CBI in the North-west.

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