MANCHESTERAirport has started a £50m investment programme to set up a public transport hub between its three terminals.
By 2002, the airport’s station will offer a network of train services across the northwest, a tram link to Manchester city centre and extensive bus services.
Chief executive Geoff Muirhead said the improvements in public transport will also be boosted by off-airport check-in at stations, as happens in London at Paddington and Victoria stations.
He said the transport had to be enhanced to cope with an expected 1m increase in passengers each year at Manchester.
The airport will handle 18m this year, but Muirhead said developments in the future will enable the airport to cope with 40m by 2015.
Terminal 2, used by long-haul airlines and some charters, is currently being doubled to handle 18m passengers.
Extra long-haul services, by British Midland and US carriers are due, and short-haul links will be improved by British Airways and Lufthansa.