Manchester Airport to launch private terminal

Manchester Airport today revealed plans to be the first major UK airport to open a private terminal, which offers passengers a "private jet experience" while flying on commercial airlines.

The airport has released preview designs of the new terminal, which will be called PremiAir and will be entirely separate to the existing three terminals at Manchester.

The PremiAir experience will be available to purchase for passengers irrespective of class of travel or the destination they are flying to – and prices start at £50. The intention is that PremiAir should offer a premium service to a wide range of passengers, whether they are travelling on business, for a special occasion or simply want to add a touch of luxury to their trip.

Passengers using PremiAir to depart from Manchester Airport will kick-off their journey with a range of special services, including: a personalised welcome, speedy baggage processing, an elegant lounge with complimentary food and drink, and a dedicated security channel. They will then be driven straight to their plane in a private car transfer.

Passengers arriving back into Manchester will also be able to use PremiAir, either as part of a round trip booking or as a standalone service. They will benefit from a car transfer direct from their plane and use of a dedicated passport control service. They will also be able to relax in the PremiAir lounge while their luggage is returned personally to them.

Inside the PremiAir terminal, there will be a range of spaces designed to cater for different needs, ranging from individual travellers to larger groups.

The new PremiAir terminal is situated away from the existing terminals, just two minutes' drive from the M56. Secure parking will be available for those who drive to the facility. As well as easy road access, passengers using PremiAir will benefit from reduced walking distances, as the total walking distance from arriving at the terminal to the aircraft door will be under 20 metres (65 feet).

Andrew Harrison, CEO, Airport Services, MAG, said: "By introducing PremiAir, we're offering something unique for all of our passengers, and creating a completely new way to travel.

"It is something a large number of customers have been telling us for some time they would be interested in and we hope the services it will offer will appeal to a wide range of passengers, whether they are travelling for business, want to mark a special occasion or just want to add something different to their experience.

"The launch of PremiAir at Manchester Airport is the beginning of an exciting new project for MAG and we plan to assess opportunities to introduce it at other airport sites in the future. At MAG, we are always looking for new and innovative products to improve the passenger experience, and PremiAir is a significant addition to our portfolio."

Construction work is now underway on a site next to the Runway Visitor Park, where the new terminal will be sited. The existing Runway Visitor Park buildings will not be changed. The facility is due to open in mid-2019.

Andrew Cowan, CEO, Manchester Airport, said: "It is an exciting period in the history of Manchester Airport, as we continue to add new routes and deliver the largest investment we have ever made in our facilities.

"Our £1bn transformation will give the North the international gateway it deserves, while connecting it to the best leisure and business destinations around the world.

"PremiAir will add another dimension to that, giving all of our customers the opportunity to tailor the airport experience to their own personal preferences, adding touches of luxury at affordable prices."

Tags:
Manchester Airport
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Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

David Hadfield
Wednesday 23rd January 2019 at 10:12 am
Gosh, April the 1st already ?

They can't sort out the EXISTING terminals, without trying to be clever.
Vince Chadwick
Wednesday 23rd January 2019 at 2:39 pm
A 4th terminal next to the Runway Visitor Park? That should do wonders for the traffic congestion on Altrincham Road by the Amazon warehouse junction, especially when the Airport City warehouse complex becomes fully populated.
George Marshall
Wednesday 23rd January 2019 at 5:58 pm
Why couldn’t this standard of design be extended to the main T2 expansion? It resembles an oversized metal shed.

Ah well, beggars can’t be choosers.
Alan Brough
Thursday 24th January 2019 at 9:33 am
How do they offer “dedicated” passport control services when this is a function of The Home Office?

At least there has been some forethought given to infrastructure planning in this case. The “priority” traffic lane has been open under the airport tunnels for several years for those who don’t feel the need to queue with the proletariat.
Stewart Dyer
Thursday 24th January 2019 at 9:56 pm
Alan - it appears to be for departures only. So no passport control required.
Stewart Dyer
Thursday 24th January 2019 at 10:03 pm
Sorry Alan - have now read it properly. Fair question.
Duncan Macintyre
Tuesday 29th January 2019 at 4:22 pm
Stewart,

“Passengers arriving back into Manchester will also be able to use PremiAir, either as part of a round trip booking or as a standalone service. They will benefit from a car transfer direct from their plane and use of a dedicated passport control service”

Presumably the airport will pay for more Home Office staff?
Neil Bridge
Tuesday 29th January 2019 at 5:46 pm
Book me in now please