Manchester Airport reveals £1 billion transformation programme over next ten years

Manchester Airports Group (M.A.G) has revealed a 10-year investment programme worth £1 billion to redevelop Manchester Airport.

The ‘Manchester Airport Transformation Programme’ is a strategic development project aimed at growing its role as the UK’s global gateway from the North within the concept of a Northern Powerhouse.  The programme incorporates 60 enhancements that will provide the millions of passengers that use the airport every year with contemporary facilities and state of the art services.

Currently the third largest airport in the UK, the key elements of the Transformation Programme include the expansion and reconfiguring of Terminal 2 making it the airport’s primary terminal building, improvements at Terminal 3 to cater for increased demand, the introduction of new and enlarged airside transfer facilities, including the direct linkage between Terminals 2 and 3, US pre-clearance facility, implementation of new technology within the an enlarged security hall and the introduction of  customer friendly enhancements, including self-service check-in facilities and around 50 food and beverage and retail outlets. Also within the programme will be the creation of a ‘future-proofed’ operational airport environment that provides greater flexibility and resilience to cater for evolving airline and security needs, the introduction of new stands and piers and an improved surface access road system.

Improvements will be delivered inside the existing footprint of the airport and developed in a phased approach.

The Rt. Hon George Osborne, MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer said: “Today’s announcement of £1 billion of private sector investment in Manchester Airport is a massive vote of confidence in the North of England and in our plan to build a Northern Powerhouse.

“The investment, which will completely transform Manchester Airport and double its capacity, will help ensure that it continues to compete with global airports across the world.

“It will play a key role in this one nation government’s plan to rebalance the UK economy and boost productivity‎ and is fantastic news for working people across the North.”

The Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP, Secretary of State for Transport, said: “This programme of improvements will allow Manchester to help meet the UK’s aviation needs in the coming decades – something that will be of huge value not only to passengers and airlines, but also in creating jobs and transforming the Northern Powerhouse’s transport links.”

Charlie Cornish, Chief Executive of M.A.G, added: “Today, we’re setting out how the airport will contribute to the development of a Northern Powerhouse and demonstrating the dynamic, can-do spirit that sums up the region. The Transformation Programme will ensure Manchester Airport plays its full part in driving economic growth and develops as a key part of the UK transport infrastructure, within a nationwide network of competing airports.

“We continue to work closely with our airline partners to ensure that their requirements and those of their passengers will be fully catered for, both during the programme design and build and upon its completion.

“Over the next ten years, the airport will continue to develop as a global gateway for the UK, directly to and from the North, and these enhancements will enable us to further adapt, modernise and transform the customer service experience we are able to offer.”