Manchester Airport kicks off private terminal build

MC Construction has started work to build a “pay-as-you-use” private terminal at Manchester Airport, billed as the first of its kind in the UK.

The building sits separately from the airport’s existing three terminals and will have its own access and secure parking. The private terminal will offer what the airport calls a “premium service”, with prices starting at £50.

These services include a dedicated passport control service and security, car transfers from the terminal to the plane, a lounge with complimentary food and drink, and faster baggage processing.

The existing Runway Visitor Park, which sits next to the proposed terminal, will remain unchanged, and the new terminal is scheduled to welcome its first passengers in mid-2019.

MAG claims the “pay-as-you-use” model for PremiAir will be the first of its kind in the country, with other private facilities restricted to business and first-class customers. Jacobs is the designer for the scheme.

MC has also secured a deal to convert the former International Departure Lounge Extension tower, attached to Terminal One, into offices. The top floor of the five-storey building will be converted into offices and conference space, while the third will house a kitchen and bathrooms. Jacobs is also acting as project manager for this scheme along with Halliday Meecham as architect.

David Lowe, managing director of MC Construction, said: “The PremiAir terminal is a prestigious scheme which will transform the guest experience, while it is pleasing to see the IDLEx tower being brought back into active use as part of the airport’s transformation programme.”

Marwa Derouiche of Jacobs said: “The IDLEx was in desperate need of refurbishment and we are all excited to see the finished result. Airfield operations are looking forward to moving into their new office space, which offers great views of the airfield.”

The tower is to be converted into offices