QUAYS News became the first to use Manchester Airport’s newly-installed ticket machines as Metrolink launched its latest tram line over a year ahead of schedule on Monday.

The special double-tram service promptly left Cornbrook at 5am, arriving at the airport at approximately 5:45am before departing a few minutes later.

Watch the first tram arrive at Manchester Airport here

After barriers blocking the entrance to the platform were removed, airport cabin crew distributed goody bags containing an updated route map and information booklet.

The £400 million airport line, spanning nine miles and covering 19 stops on a 40-minute journey, was originally scheduled to open in 2016 but was completed quicker than anticipated.

It connects Cornbrook interchange to all other lines and will continue on to Victoria, which is due to re-open in February after extensive redevelopment, in 2017.

Metrolink also links Wythenshawe to the network for the first time, with the…