The first phase of Manchester Airport’s new £1bn terminal expansion has been completed and celebrated today with the opening of a new pier.
The 216m pier – longer than Manchester’s Beetham Tower is tall – provides extensive panoramic views of the airfield and will be used by all airlines currently operating out of T2. The first flights to depart today were both operated by TUI Airways and went to Funchal, Madeira, and Naples, Italy.
The transformation of Terminal 2 at Manchester is being undertaken in stages, turning the structure into the main passenger facility at the airport. In time, the older Terminal 1 will be demolished.
Andrew Cowan, CEO of Manchester Airport, said: “Today is a significant milestone for Manchester Airport as we deliver the first phase of the biggest investment we have made in our 80 year history.”
He added “Today is just the start. Over the coming years we will transform the airport for all of our customers, giving the North the world class airport it deserves.”
Also, attending the celebrations was TUI Airways crew member Caroline Cox from Bolton. She operated on the first flight out of Terminal 2 to Alicante when it opened back in 1993.
Peter Jones, Operations Leader for Laing O’Rourke, said: “We are now looking ahead to the completion of the Terminal 2 extension which is due to be handed over to Manchester Airports Group next year.”
The £1bn investment in Manchester Airport will provide major improvements to the customer experience with new security halls and the latest technological advancements. Once the Terminal Two extension opens for Summer 2020 the existing building will close for refurbishment with it due to reopen in 2022. Further piers will open in 2022 and 2024.
The opening comes as the airport continues to see passenger numbers continue to grow as it attracts further long-haul routes to likes of Addis Ababa and Seattle. The transformation will ensure the Northern hub can continue to play its role as a global gateway and economic and employment generator, as it plugs the region into key global destinations and widens UK connectivity.
