Going to be trying to do this as a 'live' report! I'll try to upload some photos tonight from my first ever day spotting at Manchester. Booked this trip with the main idea being to catch the first ever A380 service (Emirates) out of MAN tomorrow!
Anyway. Arrived at the City Airport just after 5 this morning and was amazed at how empty it was! Bit of advice if anyone is flying on Flybe. DO NOT CHECK IN ONLINE! If you do so you will end up with an aisle seat as it will no longer ask you what you prefer. But as the check in was empty I was able to get re-checked in without any hassle to seat 18A! (Try doing that on Ryanair!

).
I'm now sitting in the upstairs cafe which has been very nicely redecorated! A very modern appearance now. Got my coffee (which is STILL stinking by the way) and now having a look out at the pitch black ramp. 5 Flybe Dash 8s and 2 E195s. 1 bmi A319. 1 Ryanair B738. Not even any rampers out there yet.
That will do for now! Finished the rotten coffee and will pack up and go for my dander around!