An executive-style terminal offering passengers a ‘private jet experience’ while flying on commercial airlines is to be opened at Manchester airport.
Travellers will be charged a minimum of £50 to make use of the dedicated PremiAir facility irrespective of class of travel or the destination they are flying to.
Preview designs are released today of the building which will be entirely separate to the existing three terminals at the airport.
Building work has started on a site next to the Runway Visitor Park, where the new terminal will be positioned.
It is due to open in mid-2019, with the concept likely to be introduced at other Manchester Airports Group airports – Stansted and East Midlands.
MAG claims no other major airport in the UK offers an accessible private terminal for passengers on a ‘pay as you use’ basis. Such facilities are often restricted to business class and first class passengers or certain airlines, typically at significant additional cost.
Special services to be offered include a personalised welcome, speedy baggage processing, a lounge with food and drink, and a dedicated security channel.
Passengers will then be driven straight to their aircraft in a private car transfer.
Those 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 aircraft 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.
A range of spaces will be designed to cater for different needs, ranging from individual travellers to larger groups.
The new terminal is situated away from the existing terminals, just two minutes’ drive from the M56. Secure parking will be available for drivers.
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 of airport services at 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.”
Airport CEO Andrew Cowan added: “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 £1 billion 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.”