Charters and schedules from Manchester

[CheshireTom 1,377]

A couple of things happening which may interest some of those folks who fly from Manchester.

 

Backpackers’ Xpress have been busy acquiring their aircraft (funjets) (747-400 from Singapore Airlines I believe) and have pencilled in a start date of 1 June although sometime in July/August seems more likely. Not really a charter as their tickets will be fully flexible. Flights will be MAN-BKK with one stop in Delhi and on to Melbourne from BKK. Might suit some of the younger boardies.

 

Karaoke, dance-offs, beer and pizza at the in-flight pub will be among the attractions of the world's first low-cost, long-haul budget airline.

BackpackersXpress, the brainchild of Australian Glenn Millen, is set for a June launch, outfitting two chartered 747s with a pub, live entertainment and two enormous VB logos on the engine cowlings.

"We're configuring it for fun and one class," Mr Millen said. "Our cabin features are designed around the backpacking culture."

Geared towards the half-million predominantly young budget travellers who flock to Australia from the northern hemisphere every year, Backpackers-Xpress will offer open-ended return tickets from Manchester to Melbourne starting in June 2004.

Mr Millen said the emphasis was on "education, fun, flexibility and value".

"And we won't entertain complaints about noise," he said.

As well as karaoke and dance competitions, passengers will be provided with a personal DVD service with 300 titles to choose from.

 

BackpackersXpress

 

Also expect an announcement in the next couple of weeks from Thai regarding Manchester flights via Athens.