TIDM38LZ

RNS Number : 8800J

Manchester Airport Grp Funding PLC

16 April 2020

Issuer: Manchester Airport Group Funding PLC

Date: 16 April 2020

Manchester Airport Group Funding PLC

Company No. 8826541

Update in relation to Traffic Statistics and COVID-19

Traffic figures at each of the airports owned by the subsidiaries of Manchester Airport Group Investments Limited, the Issuer's parent ("MAG"), were severely impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19 in March 2020, as travel restrictions and a dramatic reduction in demand for flights impacted the MAG group's passenger numbers, in common with all other airports around the world.

MAG airports saw passenger figures reduce by over 50% year-on-year in March, and figures in April are expected to be down even more significantly.

At East Midlands Airport, cargo figures held flat (-0.1%), as key freight operators increased capacity. The airport is playing a key role in keeping essential goods flowing into the country and providing UK firms with a key route to export. The airport hosts the country's most important pure air freight operation and is now in the top 10 busiest European airports by flight numbers.

In the current unprecedented times, MAG is working through a wide range of scenarios and potential implications in what is a very fluid situation. MAG faces into this in a strong and prudent financial position, with supportive shareholders who remain committed to the Issuer's BBB+/Baa1 ratings. The MAG group currently has GBP268m cash on balance sheet, having drawn down in full the available funding on its GBP500m RCF, which will support the ongoing operation of its airports during the coming months.

MAG has been engaged with its credit rating agencies, with Moody's and Fitch Ratings issuing reports in March and April highlighting their view on the 12-month nature of the extremes of the COVID-19 impact and expected recovery into year 2. Both Moody's and Fitch Ratings have affirmed the Issuer's current credit ratings, albeit that given the current uncertainties both are on negative outlook/review for downgrade.

MAG is working to ensure that it has action plans and potential solutions to any scenarios that might occur. MAG, together with its shareholders, Conyers Trust Company (Cayman) Limited (in its capacity as trustee for IFM Global Infrastructure Fund) and The Councils of Greater Manchester, will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves and update MAG's strategic response as necessary.

Passenger:

 
                     Manchester    London Stansted   East Midlands      MAG 
 Rolling 12-month 
       total          28,229,942     26,882,581        4,486,162     59,598,685 
                    ------------  ----------------  --------------  ----------- 
  12-month total 
   % change year 
      on year           -1.2%           -5.3%            -7.6%         -3.6% 
                    ------------  ----------------  --------------  ----------- 
 March 2020 total      942,900         878,266          106,529      1,927,695 
                    ------------  ----------------  --------------  ----------- 
   March 2020 % 
   change year on 
        year           -54.3%          -58.4%           -58.4%         -56.5% 
                    ------------  ----------------  --------------  ----------- 
 

Cargo:

 
                     Manchester   London Stansted   East Midlands 
 March 2020 total 
  tonnes               6,687          17,074           31,625 
                    -----------  ----------------  -------------- 
 March 2020 % 
  change year on 
  year                 -29.1%         -18.6%            -0.1% 
                    -----------  ----------------  -------------- 
 

Enquiries:

   Investor Relations:         investor.relations@magairports.com 
   MAG Press Office:        pressoffice@magairports.com 

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END

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April 16, 2020 05:08 ET (09:08 GMT)

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