Manchester Airports Group has announced a £440m investment in Manchester Airport.
The investment will create “thousands of jobs and unlock billions of pounds of economic value” for the North over the next decade, said the group in a statement.
There will be new spacious facilities, state-of-the-art technology and equipment, and an exciting array of shops, bars, restaurants and airport lounges.
The investment is the final phase of the £1.3bn Manchester Airport Transformation Programme (MAN-TP), first announced in 2015 with a 10-year vision to revolutionise the customer experience at the Northern hub.
The first phase saw Terminal 2 more than double in size, with the new facility receiving positive feedback from passengers and airlines since opening in July 2021.
This latest investment will complete the transformation of Terminal 2, delivering improvement to all stages of the passenger journey from check-in to baggage reclaim.
The transformation will also include upgrading its airfield to cater for next-generation aircraft.
Upon completion in 2025, around 80% of all passengers will use the expanded Terminal 2, with Terminal 1 set to close 63 years after it was opened by the Duke of Edinburgh, in 1962.
The company said that more than 500 jobs will be created in the construction phase alone.
Independent analysis shows around 16,400 extra jobs will be generated by 2040 as a result of the economic activity stimulated by the expansion of the airport and its route network.
Research also reveals that Manchester Airport’s current contribution to the Northern economy of £3.5bn is expected to soar by nearly 80%, to £6.3bn by 2040.
A further £2.9bn boost will be triggered through the increased productivity of businesses travelling and trading globally through Manchester over the same period.
Charlie Cornish, CEO of MAG, said: “Manchester Airport is a key economic asset for the North, and this investment will maximise the contribution it makes to creating a balanced and globally competitive UK economy.
“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 the people and businesses of the North to dozens more global destinations, creating jobs and stimulating increased levels of trade and tourism.”
Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said: “It is hugely exciting to be announcing this significant investment in Manchester Airport. 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.”
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “As the aviation industry recovers after Covid, it’s great news to see this significant vote of confidence in the UK.
“This investment will be a huge boost for the North, benefitting passengers flying in and out of the region as well as supporting thousands of jobs.”
The expanded Terminal 2 has already welcomed a number of new airlines to Manchester and seen the launch or relaunch of a string of key routes.
For more information, visit manchesterairport.co.uk.
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