One of the leading UK airports, Manchester Airport is celebrating today the completion of the first major phase of its £1bn transformation programme.
Passengers flying out of the UK’s third largest airport were this morning welcomed onto a giant new pier, which connects to Terminal 2, for the first time. 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.
To mark the launch, time-lapse footage was released showing how the pier has been built from scratch in less than 18 months, along with drone footage captured before the building was opened to the public.
First pier and new multi-storey car park opened this morning
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. We are delighted to wave off the first handful of flights from the new pier, as we build up to bringing it into full operation in the days ahead."
The £1bn transformation programme will see the airport transform itself into a world-class airport, with a vast range of destinations. The next phase in the programme will see Terminal 2 become the focal point of its operations, as the extension to the existing Terminal. Work is well underway and it is expected to open in summer 2020 with 40 plus new food and beverage outlets and shops, followed by a further 40 when the existing building is fully refurbished
Dawn Wilson, Managing Director TUI Airways said, “It’s a real honour to be part of this landmark occasion at Manchester Airport - a major hub for TUI Airways. To operate the first flights from the new Pier One is a proud moment, and another first to add to the list of memories and history we have at Manchester."
