Manchester Airport staff offer support to local communities during Covid-19 crisis

Manchester Airport staff have provided friendly phone calls, doorstep deliveries and mobile meals services to local communities in Cheshire and South Manchester during the coronavirus pandemic.

While the airport is operating at a much reduced capacity during the crisis, staff have used the skills from the day jobs to provide volunteer services.

Volunteers from the airport’s workforce have made calls to older residents to combat potential loneliness and isolation during the lockdown, as well as working with Wythenshawe Good Neighbours to deliver activity packs, and support pharmacies with deliveries.

The airport’s education team – which year-round delivers sessions for more than 15,000 young people across the region – has also created a special downloadable education pack to help with home-schooling during the lockdown.

The airport’s Fire Service is also supporting Manchester’s Nightingale Hospital, with stand-by support staff and by loaning life-saving equipment it currently does not need to treat Covid-19 patients. More than 100 wheelchairs, usually used for passengers with reduced mobility, have also been loaned to the site, at Manchester Central.

Community relations officer Tina Large, who has coordinated the activity, said:

It has been heart-warming to see how many people came forward as soon as we put the call out for volunteers. Those who are volunteering tell us they see it as a privilege to be able to represent the business and do something for the community.

“While community outreach is something we do all year round, it is having a hugely positive impact right now because of the current situation.”

Each week, the airport has been using its site to show its support for the key workers in the NHS and other industries which have included an applause on one of its runways, followed by the lighting up of its Air Traffic Control Tower.

Andrew Cowan, CEO of Manchester Airport, said:

Manchester Airport has always been committed to being a good neighbour and already has a number programmes to support communities and provide education and employment opportunities.

“The Coronavirus pandemic is without doubt the biggest challenge our business has ever faced, but we know it is also presenting significant challenges for those who live and work near to the airport.

“That is why it has been pleasing to see so many of our colleagues wanting to do whatever they can to provide vital volunteer services when people need it most.

“The airport is here to serve the region and it is pleasing that we have been able make our facilities and equipment available to support the Covid-19 response where we can.”

Image: Manchester Airport employees Paul Hatton and Warren Woodruff deliver food parcels to Manchester Enterprise Academy.