A £440 million investment is set to complete the regeneration of Manchester Airport.
Thousands of new jobs, shops, bars and restaurants will be created.
The upgrade, announced today, is the final phase of a £1.3 billion Manchester Airport Transformation Programme first announced in 2015.
The first phase saw Terminal 2 double in size.
More than 500 jobs will be created in the construction alone, while independent analysis shows that around 16,400 extra jobs will be generated by 2040, as a result of the economic activity stimulated by the expansion.
Charlie Cornish, chief executiv3 officer of Manchester Airport Group, said: “Our £1.3bn transformation programme demonstrates our long-term commitment to providing a great airport experience for passengers who travel through Manchester.
“I’m delighted to be announcing the go-ahead for the final phase, which will open in 2025, connecting people and businesses of the north to dozens more global destinations, and creating jobs and stimulating increased levels of trade and tourism.”
Improvements will be made to check-in and baggage reclaim in Terminal 2.
The airfield will be also upgraded to cater for the next generation aircraft.
Terminal 1 will close when the new facilities open.
Chris Woodroofe, managing director of Manchester Airport, said: “It is hugely exciting to be announcing this significant investment.
“It represents a major milestone in the history of both our airport, and the region as a whole.
“By completing the transformation of Terminal 2, we will not only be offering passengers across the north an unrivalled choice of destinations, but also providing them with world class facilities and a great overall experience when they travel through Manchester.
The expanded Terminal 2 has already welcomed a number of new airlines to Manchester, and seen the launch or relaunch of key routes. These include new flights to Kuwait, a revived service to Beijing and a first UK Transatlantic base for AerLingus.
Preparation work for the second phase is already underway.
Planned improvements include doubling the size of the departure lounge, with a wider selection of shops and food and drink outlets.
An additional security hall will be fitted with next generation security scanners.
A new pier will include spacious gates.
A dual taxiway system will improve efficiency with flexible aircraft stands.
The terminal’s hold baggage will double capacity to kore than 5,000 bags per hour, with two new teardrop check in islands.
The news has been welcomed by business and political leaders.
Damian Waters, regional director CBI, said: “I am delighted to hear that Manchester Airport is making such a major investment in its facilities and am excited to see the positive impact this will have on the region as a whole.”
Richard Sofer, TUI’s commercial and business development director said: “The news of Manchester Airport’s redevelopment is hugely exciting, for both our customers and TUI colleagues based at Manchester.
"As one of our major airport hubs, TUI flies to more than 40 holiday hotspots from Manchester, so it’s great to hear about the plans for the evolution of the airport, with passengers benefitting from the new facilities, shops, bars and restaurants once the project is completed.
"We look forward to continuing to work together with the team at Manchester Airport and our TUI colleagues to create more holiday memories for our customers in the North West.”
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