A new travel brand, THE SIX, plans to sell individual seats on private-plane day trips from Manchester Airport, rather than requiring customers to charter a whole aircraft, as first reported by the Manchester Evening News.

Guests will be able to book in twos, fours or sixes, and a private group can book all six seats. Flights will leave from Signature, the airport's private terminal, on a Pilatus PC-12.

First trip in 2027

The first trip is due to depart in 2027 and will go to the Champagne region of France. The flight takes about 90 minutes, followed by a chauffeured transfer to a Champagne house for a guided tour, cellar tastings and lunch, before a return to Manchester the same evening. Tickets cost £3,495 per person.

The company says further trips are planned, including Islay for golf and whisky, Paris for Valentine's Day, Saint-Tropez in summer, and Ibiza, as well as bespoke trips for private groups.

Who is behind it

THE SIX was founded by Duncan Falconer, a commercial pilot who began his career in hospitality at The Chester Grosvenor. The brand is backed by investor Jason Bligh, who worked with Falconer at the same hotel. Companies House lists THE SIX (Travel) Ltd as a registered company with both men as directors.

According to the MEN, the brand chose Manchester as its base so travellers in the North would not need to go to London first.

Sources: Manchester Evening News; Companies House: THE SIX (Travel) Ltd. This article was produced with the help of AI tools and checked by an editor against the sources above.