Manchester Airport has revealed the progress made on its ?1 billion transformations with several months to go until it opens its new terminal.
The airport also released new images and a video to showcase what passengers can expect when they start using the new terminal from next summer.
Features unveiled include a honeycomb light installation that illuminates the departure lounge. With 16 million settings, it will change colours depending on the time of day.
An 83 square metre digital screen will take centre stage in the new extension to provide entertainment and information to passengers. There will also be a new children?s play area to help families pass the time before heading on their travels.
New shops will also open in the departure lounge including passenger favourites like JD Sports, WH Smiths and Dixons Travel. Bury-based JD Sports will open its largest ever airport store in the UK.
The first phase of the terminal extension is set to open in July 2020. It will see a new security hall, departure lounge, immigration hall, arrivals hall and a new bus gate lounge open to passengers.
Further facilities will start operating during the rest of 2020, including the first of the new ?island? check-in desk banks and the new baggage reclaim facilities. As the various elements of the extension open, the airport will start to close parts of the existing Terminal Two to allow for that area to be reconfigured to align with the new facilities.
The fully reconfigured Terminal Two will open in 2022 with 32 new shops and food and beverage outlets set to feature in that area. The completed Terminal Two will be 150% bigger than the current building once finished.
Pier Two will also open at that time and will be a similar size to Pier One. It will have the capability to handle the world?s largest passenger aircraft, the double-decker A380 and will also include airline lounges. The remaining terminal and airfield infrastructure is due to open in 2024.
Passengers with accessibility requirements have been consulted throughout the development and build of the terminal. Due to their feedback changes have been made to signage and colour schemes. The sunflower room that has proved popular in Terminal One, will also open in the reconfigured terminal in 2022.
The completed extension will achieve BREEAM status of very good for its sustainability credentials. Other environmental developments include fixed electric ground power points on all new stands which mean aircraft don?t have to leave their engines running when parked. The terminal will also feature a highly efficient combined heat and power system.
Andrew Cowan, CEO of Manchester Airport, said: ?Our ?1bn transformation will allow us to continue playing our role as the UK?s global gateway in the North, offering our 29.5m annual passengers and the entire region a world-class airport, connecting them to a wealth of vital economic and tourist hubs.
?We?re delighted with the progress that?s been made on the project and we can?t wait for passengers to experience the new facilities next summer. The new extension will offer a real step change to our passengers with state-of-the-art facilities and a great selection of shops and restaurants for them to enjoy.?
Gareth Jacques, Laing O?Rourke Project Director, said: ?The Manchester Airport Transformation Programme is a complex, sizeable and logistically challenging project which Laing O?Rourke are proud to be delivering as the main contractor.?
?We have made great progress since the first spade hit the ground in July 2017. We have seen the handover of Pier One and its link bridge, both of which were operational in April this year along with the multi-storey car park. The Laing O?Rourke project team are approaching handover to MAG and we are working hard with our specialist supply chain to ensure everything is finished in style.?
Jack Thomas, from Manchester Airport?s Passenger User Group, said: ?Manchester Airport's historic investment will deliver a step change in the passenger experience and create an environment befitting of its status as the North's main global gateway.
?The airport has engaged with members of its Passenger User-group throughout and we have been pleased to make a number of suggestions along the way, as well as providing advice on issues such as disability access.
?It is clear a huge amount of care and attention has gone into the design of all aspects of the new facilities and we look forward to them opening next year.?
