Manchester Airport have revealed plans to be the first major UK airport to open a private terminal, designed by Jacobs, offering passengers a private jet experience on commercial airlines with prices starting at just £50.
The airport shared preview designs yesterday (January 23) of the new terminal, which will be called PremiAir. The PremiAir experience will be available to purchase for all passengers irrespective of class of travel or the destination they are flying to.
There will be several different services available depending on individual passenger preference and it will be entirely separate to the existing three terminals at Manchester.
Andrew Cowan, chief executive officer at Manchester Airport, said: “It is an exciting period in the history of Manchester Airport, as we continue to add new routes and deliver the largest investment we have ever made in our facilities. PremiAir will add another dimension to that, giving all of our customers the opportunity to tailor the airport experience to their own personal preferences, adding touches of luxury at affordable prices.”
Passengers using PremiAir, departing from Manchester Airport, will travel ‘in style’ with a range of special services including a personalised welcome, speedy baggage processing, an elegant lounge with complimentary food and drink, and a dedicated security channel. They will also be driven straight to their plane in a private car transfer.
Andrew Harrison, chief executive officer of airport services at Manchester Airports Group (MAG), said: “By introducing PremiAir, we’re offering something unique for all of our passengers, and creating a completely new way to travel. It is something a large number of customers have been telling us for some time they would be interested.
“The launch of PremiAir at Manchester Airport is the beginning of an exciting new project for MAG and we plan to assess opportunities and introduce it at other airport sites in the future.”
Passengers arriving back into Manchester will also be able to use PremiAir as part of a round trip booking or as a standalone service, benefiting car transfer direct from their plane and use of a dedicated passport control service. They will also be able to relax in the PremiAir lounge while their luggage is returned personally to them.
The new PremiAir terminal is situated away from the existing terminals, just two minutes’ drive from the M56. Inside the PremiAir terminal, there will be a range of spaces designed to cater for different needs, ranging from individual travellers to larger groups.
Secure parking will be available for those who drive to the facility. As well as easy road access, passengers using PremiAir will benefit from reduced walking distances, as the total walking distance from arriving at the terminal to the aircraft door will be under 20 metres.
Construction work is now underway on a site next to the Runway Visitor Park, where the new terminal will be sited, and the existing Runway Visitor Park buildings will not be changed. The facility is due to open in mid-2019.
Ross Powell, director of operations at Jacobs, said: “Jacobs are absolutely delighted to have supported MAG bring this exciting and unique new product to the market. We have worked hard with the Airport to create a simple yet elegant design, utilising natural materials, full height glass and visual connection to the airfield to offer the guest a warm, relaxing and personalised environment.”
It is the latest investment by MAG for transforming the customer experience at Manchester Airport. The £1bn transformation of the UK’s third largest gateway continues with the first phase of the project set to open in April this year.
This scheme will see new piers and car parks developed and the latest technology installed to deliver a smooth and efficient journey for passengers through the airport.
