Things are really taking off at this UK airport which is undergoing a massive £1.3billion renovation that will enable it to accommodate more of the world’s biggest jumbos and offer 27 new restaurants for passengers.
The first phase of the transformation at Manchester Airport saw Terminal 2 more than double in size, with work starting on the second phase in January last year.
That’s focusing on the east side of T2, which is being brought in line with the west side and will feature 27 new shops, bars and restaurants, including a high street-style shopping area, a champagne bar and a food hall.
The second phase will see the original building upgraded with a second security hall and a new-look, extended departure lounge, along with reconfigurations of the airfield to make operations more efficient.
Upon completion in 2025, over 70 per cent of all passengers will use the expanded T2, with Terminal 1 then closing.
Massive A380 passenger jets, which can carry 525 passengers, will also find using Manchester as an airport easier in future after the upgrade.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the changes to the airfield to boost its capacity will allow the world’s biggest passenger planes to pass side-by-side as they taxi to and from Terminal 2.
The extra pier, the airport said, will almost double the number of aircraft that can operate from the brand-new super-terminal while offering passengers more space while they wait.
Jill Fraser, Transformation Programme Delivery Director, said: “These are significant developments in the Manchester Airport Transformation Programme. The changes to the taxiway unlock the airfield’s potential while the pier will allow us to accommodate the extra aircraft.
“For a few months now most of the work on the pier has been happening underground, preparing the way for installing this complex structure.
“Now we’re seeing the first visible signs of what’s about to be built and it’s really exciting. We’ve worked closely with Mace and Martifer to make sure this is delivered in such a way as to cut delivery times, minimise disruption and decrease the carbon footprint of the project at the same time.
“We’re looking forward to seeing all the progress that will follow over the coming months before it is completed next year.”