Manchester is on the cusp of a dramatic shift in work and lifestyle patterns, as well as culture, according to experts.

Now the advent of direct Virgin Atlantic flights to San Francisco is predicted to boost the local tech economy and lead to a rise in ‘super-commuting’ between the two cities.

In the same way that more frequent links between New York and London gave rise to the notion of ‘NY-Lon’ – which spawned a TV series and sees thousands of workers regularly commuting between New York and London – ‘Man-Fran’ is expected to have a significant impact on the North West region.

 

 

And, according to Virgin Atlantic’s research, Man-Fran will build on a shared pschye between these two northern cities, both famous for their wet weather, trams, music, LBGT and street art scenes; one built on a heritage of silicon and the other rebuilding itself as a British tech hub.

“In 2015 Greater Manchester welcomed 1.38 million international visitors, a 28% growth on 2005 figures. This is an exciting rise that is sure to be boosted by the new San Francisco route. The USA is one of our most important markets, and with San Francisco’s strengths aligning so well with Manchester’s we look forward to welcoming a host of new business and leisure visitors to our wonderful city” –says Nick Brooks-Sykes, Director of Tourism at Marketing Manchester

Professor Sir Cary L Cooper, Alliance Manchester Business School says:

The idea of Ny-Lon, or a ‘single city separated by an ocean’, has been around for a while. There are more direct flights daily between London and New York than trains from Kings Cross to Edinburgh. With Manchester’s tech and creative industries booming, I fully expect direct flights between the city and San Francisco to catalyse something similar: a shared business outlook, a common personality and ever closer connections. Man-Fran will become a real trend over the next few years.”

Commencing on 28 March 2017, Virgin Atlantic will be the first ever carrier to provide direct services between Manchester and the northern Californian city.

Operating three times weekly, the flights will connect the region with world famous landmarks such as Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Fisherman’s Wharf. In addtion, the airline will also begin direct flights from Manchester to Boston, and passengers will also be able to fly on Virgin Atlantic aircraft from Manchester to JFK, New York.

Chris Baker, MD of UK Enterprise, Concur: “A lot has been made about the love affair between London and San Francisco – after all, Silicon Roundabout in London’s tech hub takes its name from San Fran’s Silicon Valley. But maybe London has become too comfortable with the relationship; maybe it isn’t exclusive anymore. Could Manchester become the next apple of the US tech sector’s eye?

This flight between San Francisco and Manchester is another vital connection between the two cities and their tech and creative expertise. Both cities bring an engaging culture of innovation to the table and are sure to grow closer as the links between them strengthen. London may need to keep an eye on Manchester as the city’s relationship with the epicentre of US technology continues to grow.”

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