Manchester Airport Group, which owns and operates Manchester Airport in the UK, is investing $440m in the northern gateway, which will not only transform the passenger experience, but which is also expected to create thousands of jobs and unlocking billions of economic value for the North over the next decade.
The investment is the final phase of the airport’s £1.3 billion transformation programme, which was first announced in 2015. It will be used to transform the regional hub with state-of-the-art technology and equipment and an exciting array of shops, bars, restaurants and lounges, delivering improvements to all stages of the passenger journey – from check-in to baggage reclaim. The airfield will also be upgraded to cater for next generation aircraft.
Works being carried out include doubling the size of the existing departure lounge, with a wider selection of shops and food and drink and outlets, as well as the construction of an additional security hall, fitted with next-generation security scanners. A new dual taxiway system with flexible aircraft standards is being built to improve airfield efficiency and the terminal’s hold baggage capacity is set to double to more than 5,000 bags per hour.
“Manchester Airport is a key economic asset for the North and this investment will maximise the contribution it makes to creating a balanced and globally competitive UK economy,” said Charlie Cornish, CEO of MAG.
Research carried out by York Aviation revealed that Manchester Airport’s current contribution to the Northern economy of £3.5 billion is expected to soar by nearly 80% to £6.3 billion by 2040 as a result of the airport’s regeneration. A further £2.9 billion boost will be triggered through the increased productivity of businesses travelling and trading globally through Manchester over the same period.
The airport’s expanded Terminal 2 has already welcomed a number of new airlines to Manchester, and seen the launch or relaunch of a string of key routes. These include a new service to Kuwait, a revived service to Beijing and a UK transatlantic base for AerLingus.
Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director of Manchester Airport added: ” It is hugely exciting to be announcing this significant investment in Manchester Airport. It represents a major milestone in the history of both our airport and the region as a whole.
“By completing the transformation of Terminal 2, we will not only be offering passengers across the North an unrivalled choice of destinations, but also providing them with world class facilities and a great overall experience when they travel through Manchester.”
Meanwhile, Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, commented: “Manchester Airport is a massive asset to our city region, connecting those living and working here to global destinations, as well as helping attract visitors, tourists and inward investments.
“The further investment in the Manchester Airport transformation programme will enhance Greater Manchester’s international credentials and make a major contribution to the northern economy.
The project is also doing a huge amount to create employment for people from all backgrounds and providing training that will ensure it leaves a skills legacy for future generations,” he concluded.
