UK. Manchester Airport has launched two new social media channels, Weibo and WeChat, in Mandarin Chinese.
The Chinese equivalents of Twitter and WhatsApp have been developed to help the airport better communicate with passengers arriving from China, it said.
Manchester Airport’s new WeChat account will provide Chinese visitors with full details of the airport’s services, including an airport map, travel information, eating options and language help.
Both the WeChat and Weibo accounts include tourist attraction information for the wider area. They also feature light-hearted video content from local Chinese students explaining why the area is a great place to visit, and tips on how to find some of its hidden gems.
As well as communicating with passengers who use the route, the airport plans to reach out to the Chinese population across its catchment area. The area spans as far north as Scotland, down to the West Midlands and across to North Wales, Merseyside and Yorkshire.
Manchester Airport introduced a direct flight to Beijing with Hainan Airlines in June. Since the launch of the flight, almost 40,000 passengers have travelled between Manchester and Beijing, the airport said.
Manchester Airport Head of Marketing Patrick Alexander said: “What better way to speak to a core demographic and our new passenger base than adopting the channels they know and love. Not only can we provide them with relevant airport and airline information, but by using their channels in their native Mandarin, we can give added value and a better, more targeted, customer service.
“The channels will provide a wealth of content, and as we grow and develop our route network to China, in turn the social media channels will also grow.”
The airport worked with Chinese digital agency Red Lantern to create and develop its presence on Weibo and WeChat.
Red Lantern founder Lewis Hannam said: “The direct flights between Manchester and Beijing are a significant boost to trade between the two countries, and it’s great that Manchester Airport is doing all it can to be the UK’s most China-friendly airport.
“WeChat and Weibo are vital tools in engaging and understanding your Chinese customers. This is just the first step in some innovative moves the airport will make for its Chinese travellers.”
Both channels launched today (27 October) along with a poetry competition to win £1,000 in flight vouchers with Hainan Airlines.
