An £8 million upgrade of Stansted’s Satellite One departure gate area has been unveiled in the latest stage of a £260 million airport transformation project.
The overall development by owner Manchester Airports Group is being driven by the airport’s ambition to attract more passengers, airlines and long-haul services.
Improved passenger facilities are being promised at the satellite area in the form of “comfortable lifestyle seating,” refurbished toilets as well as free charging points and improved Wi-Fi. Space is also being secured for bespoke lounge facilities to be developed.
Design plans for the first lounge in the main departures area in the airport’s 24-year history have also been outlined.
New cafes, bars and restaurants will open by this spring while the successful tenders for 18 remaining shops will be announced in the coming months.
The £80 million revamp of the main terminal building over the past year has included an enlarged security area and the first phase of a new departure lounge and duty free store.
Airport managing director Andrew Harrison said: “Having successfully returned Stansted to growth, making it once again London’s fastest growing airport, we’re driving forward our ambition to attract a greater mix of airlines, including long-haul connections to serve our region and the London – Stansted – Cambridge economic growth corridor.
“The value of these investments isn’t just about how much is being spent, it’s the focus being placed on delivering designs and facilities that work for both our passengers and airline partners because the money we spend has to represent value for both.
“I’m really excited and looking forward to this time next year when this phase of re-development will be completed and our passengers can fully experience how Stansted is changing because this is just the beginning.”