Releasing its unaudited half-year results covering April 1 to September 30, 2015, chief executive Charlie Cornish said the 5.7% boost in passenger numbers to 29.7 million had combined with new route development to drive the strong performance.
In particular, he added Stansted airport had added 1.2 million more passengers year on year during the period while its Manchester facility saw its busiest ever month in August.
The group also benefited from a total of 31 new routes while revenues have also been driven up as customers upgrade their experience by paying for extras like lounge access and fast track security clearance.
Cargo income was also 5.7% up as it benefited from the further growth in internet shopping.
Cornish said: “The first half of the year has seen sustained growth; outperforming our challenging targets in many areas with record numbers of passengers using our airports.
“Our group operating model continues to deliver benefits and support our airports in competing to attract new passengers and airlines.
“This has been our busiest summer ever and as we approach the milestone of handling 50 million passengers a year, we are responding to changes in the way people want to travel by giving them the opportunity to upgrade their airport experience and begin their journeys in style. Our offerings in this area are driving strong growth in our retail revenues.
“Our Escape Lounges, in particular, have been a real hit with passengers in the UK, and we are now exporting the concept to the USA, with our first lounge opening in Minneapolis-St Paul next week, which we expect will be the first of many across North America.
“I was also delighted to welcome the president of China, Xi Jinping, to Manchester airport in October as part of his state visit to the UK.
“The president and the prime minister unveiled a new direct link from Manchester to Beijing, starting in summer 2016, which will give the 100,000 passengers travelling each year between the two cities the convenience of direct scheduled services.
“The new route demonstrates the key role that the airport plays as a global gateway from the north.
“MAG airports continue to be true growth engines for their regions, employing thousands of people and generating significant economic activity in the wider economy.
“They also continue to offer choice and competition for passengers, providing the direct services that passengers want to see from their local airport. A network of competing airports across the country provides the best solution for customers and also contributes hugely to the growth of UK PLC.
“At a time when other airports are running out of capacity, our airports provide a solution to the UK’s aviation needs both now and in the future.
“We have confidence in the group’s long term prospects and I look forward to a successful second half of the year.”
