Manchester kicks-off airport transformation programme

Manchester Airport has started work on its £1bn 10-year Transformation Programme that it hopes will help increase the number of long-haul flights from the UK northern gateway.

Manchester Airport’s Transformation Programme, which will double the size of terminal two, represents the largest single private sector investment in the north of England and enable “better and more international connections”.

With the new development complete, the airport said it will be able to grow alongside a thriving northern economy to handle 45m passengers a year, an increase of almost 20m compared to today.

UK transport secretary Chris Grayling, who visited the airport to see the start of work and launch a new aviation strategy consultation, said: “Aviation is central to our future prosperity as we leave the European Union.

“As a global, trading nation we want to build on the great industry we have today and create opportunities for people up and down the country.

“Our new aviation strategy will look beyond the new runway at Heathrow and sets out a comprehensive long-term plan for UK aviation. It will support jobs and economic growth across the whole of the UK.

“I welcome Manchester Airport Group’s £1bn programme to double the size of Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2 which will create 1,500 jobs.

“This is great news for the local economy and for passengers who will be able to fly to more destinations, more often.”

Charlie Cornish, chief executive of airport owner MAG, said: “Today marks a significant moment in the history of Manchester Airport and demonstrates the confidence that we have in the long term future of both the North and the UK economy.

“This is the largest private investment that has been made in the region for some time and the increased connectivity that it will deliver will enable it to become one of the most accessible and productive regions in Europe.

“Equally, better global connectivity into the region will plug international investors directly into the potential that is available across the Northern Powerhouse – stretching from Liverpool to Leeds and Scotland to Stoke.”

The MAG Group also owns London Stansted, Bournemouth and East Midlands. In May, the airport registered a 13% year-on-year increase in cargo volumes to 10,541 tonnes.