Manchester Airport (U.K.) gets Billion Dollar upgrade
07/29/2017
Manchester Airport
Passengers to Britains Manchester Airport are set to see significant changes in the next decade, as the North of Englands air transport hub is to receive a massive upgrade. Styled the 'Manchester Airport Transformation Program', the project was launched by British Transport Minister Chris Grayling at the airport on the 24th July. The changes are so enormous that, by the end of the project, airport capacity will have increased from 25 million passengers per year to a whopping 45 million.
The investment builds upon the success of Manchester Airport, which is the only airport outside of London to offer international flights to places like San Francisco, Las Vegas, Houston, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago and New York.Also, Cathay Pacific has just announced a new Manchester-Hong Kong route, and Hainan Airways initiated a five-times a week Manchester-Beijing flight.
Background of Manchester Airport
Manchester is the U.K.'s third city, and the capital of the Northern region and the plans are crucial to opening up Yorkshire, Lancashire, and other northern counties, to international investment, and to boost tourism in areas like the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. The development also boosts connections to North Wales and the ferry link to Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic, at Holyhead. Manchester itself has a world famous club and music scene, a world famous soccer club, as well as some top restaurants and is near the famous city of Liverpool, of Beatles fame.
Recent U.K. aviation news has focussed on building the new runway at London Heathrow; now the spotlight is on the advantages of flying to the North.
Employment opportunities at Manchester Airport
The airport project is big news on the jobs front, with 1,200 construction workers hired (including 200 apprentices). The airport generates $6.5 billion in economic activity in the Manchester region and employs 20,000 people at the airport and a further 25,000 in related activities off-site. It is hoped that the airport will compete with the best in the world.
Manchester Airport new design
The airport will be glass fronted and with plenty of space and light. Fewer queues and a more clear layout will facilitate your journey to the gate. State of the art body scanners will speed you through security.
Facilities
The departure area will be full of shops, ATM's and bureau de change, it will also be easier to see the departure screens, and there will be a variety of restaurants and fast food outlets. Panoramic glass windows will allow you to see take-offs and landings. Moving walkways will ease your journey to the gate, making life easier for the disabled, and those with heavy baggage. For business travelers, and those willing to pay a little bit extra, there be several lounges where you can relax and enjoy some top quality food and drink as well as utilize the business facilities.
Arrivals will experience new automatic passport check machines and better signage to the baggage reclaim. You will even be able to pick up essential household items such as bread, milk, and juice in the Arrivals convenience store.
Connectivity
The potential for growth in the region is enormous, with 25 million people living within a two-hour commute to Manchester airport. Improving international connectivity will gain access to a massive consumer market.
Conclusion
This project is the most significant investment in the Northern region in quite a while and will make traveling to Manchester Airport a pleasant experience, as well as make Manchester a rival to the London airports, for leisure and business travelers alike.