After 10 years in the making Manchester Airport’s (MAN) Terminal 2 is nearing the end of its £1.3 billion ($1.6 billion) transformation.
As the project reaches its final stages Manchester Airport has unveiled a unique first look at the completed terminal using a computer-generated fly-through video.
The fly-through video gives future travelers the chance to experience how it will feel walking through the flash new terminal lined with new shops, stores, bars and restaurants.
The first phase of the program, completed in 2021, included an extension that doubled the size of Terminal 2 and phase two will be completed throughout the year with different sections opening when they are finished.
Phase two included a major revamp of the original part of the building, creating more space for seating, security, shops and restaurants and improvements to the check-in area have been ongoing.
Among the new restaurants, bars and shops are a Chanel outlet, LEGO Store, the airport’s first Wetherspoon pub and a Fever-Tree bar.
The video begins in the new check-in area, then goes into the security hall and then flies upstairs to the international departure lounge and through the new World Duty Free store before arriving at the Boutique Mall area and The Avenue for shopping.
Manchester Airport Managing Director Chris Woodroofe said the video was released to give passengers a taste of what to expect later in the year when they arrive.
“Our transformation programme has been 10 years and £1.3bn in the making but now we’re in the final stages of finishing everything off to open it to the public later this year. There’s a huge amount of work going on all over the airport, but this video shows that it will all be worth it,” said Woodroofe.
He added: “That work isn’t just limited to Terminal 2 either. We’re modernising our airfield, building a new road to improve access to the new terminal – and we’ll soon be able to say more about some work we’re doing in Terminal 3 too.”
An independent report released by York Aviation last year and commissioned by Manchester Airport showed 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.
The airport’s contribution to the Northern economy is expected to soar by nearly 80%, to £6.3 billion by 2040 as a result of the full delivery of the transformation program.
A further £2.9 billion boost will be triggered through the increased productivity of businesses travelling and trading globally through Manchester over the same period.
