Manchester Airports Group (MAG) CEO Charlie Cornish has told TRBusiness that following the £1bn ($1.55bn) transformation of Terminal 2 at Manchester Airport – which will include the opening of 50 new retail and F&B outlets – he believes that the airport will emerge as a ‘key airport for long haul services’.

 

Along with US pre-clearance, which has just been authorised at Manchester Airport, Cornish predicts that the company will see a ‘sizeable increase in the number of people flying from Manchester’. As Heathrow and Gatwick continue to battle for approval of much-needed expansion plans, Manchester Airport has witnessed remarkable growth in passenger numbers. MAG is striking ‘while the iron is hot’ with the announcement of a £1bn ($1.55bn) transformation programme and believes that MAN will appear all the more attractive to potential long-haul airline partners.

 

“Manchester Airport should emerge as a key airport for the provision of long haul services,” says Cornish. “At present we have around 5m passengers travelling long haul and clearly with the new facilities we would expect to see a sizeable increase in the number of people flying from Manchester.

 

“On a recent visit to see the US airlines, it was evident that they are supportive of pre-clearance, not only in relation to providing a better customer experience but also in relation to their utilisation of US airport infrastructure as it provides more flexibility.”

 

With pre-clearance at Manchester Airport Cornish says he hopes to increase the number of passengers flying west. “Dublin Airport is a good example where they are witnessing increasing numbers of transatlantic passengers,” he adds.

 

The UK’s third largest airport recently announced a programme of enhancements worth up to £1bn ($1.55bn), which will take place over the next ten years.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE NEW RETAIL OFFER…

The ‘Manchester Airport Transformation Programme’ comprises a series of 60 enhancements. Cornish said he cannot divulge the finer details of the retail and F&B plans, but does say: “The final details of our retail strategy for T2 will be worked out over the next 12 months, but clearly we are expecting to be in a position to attract not only major retail brands but also offer our customers a new experience.”

 

Digital and smartphone technology will play a big part in the Terminal 2 transformation, as Cornish makes clear when asked what passengers will expect from the new terminal: “Passengers will want to enter a light and friendly retail space after a seamless journey through check in and security.

 

“Not only will passengers want to visit in-demand retail outlets offering competitive prices and good products but will also want to access a retail airport world using IPhones and mobile technology.”

 

Chinese passengers are already important to Manchester Airport and could become more so if MAN is able to open up additional routes to Asia through partnerships with new airlines.

 

“Manchester is an emerging destination for Chinese visitors and the region already hosts thousands of Chinese students,” reveals Cornish. “The new facility will be designed to ensure that we cater for the needs of our customers from Asia Pacific and again, the provision of digital communications will facilitate services for international visitors.”

 

With two runways, the airport has significant capacity for growth and already serves over 70 airlines and in excess of 210 short and long haul destinations. Manchester Airport is the only UK airport outside of London with direct routes to a host of global destinations including Miami, Hong Kong, Jeddah, Singapore, Atlanta, Washington and Boston.

 

“We will be hopeful of extending services with our existing airlines including Emirates, Etihad, Qatar, Singapore, Cathay Pacific, American and Delta etc. as well as attracting new airlines,” adds Cornish.

 

Manchester Airport will also play a key role in delivering a Northern Powerhouse government initiative, with the airport currently supporting £1.8bn every year in economic activity in the local and regional economy.

 

“The creation of a Northern Powerhouse will certainly aid the economic development of the region with consequential increases in both leisure and business travel,” says Cornish.

 

CAPACITY OF 55 MILLION

“Joining the northern cities by fast rail links will greatly increase connectivity to Manchester Airport, increasing the depth of our core catchment area. Manchester should become the global gateway for the north of England, and be in a position to support the development of the region through increased long haul connectivity.

 

Cornish adds that MAN has a runway capacity of 55m passengers and is planning to grow in a sustainable way over the next 20-30 years. “Clearly, we think that Manchester is key to the success of the Northern Powerhouse and has a strategic role to play in meeting the UK’s aviation capacity needs in the long term.”

 

The 10-year programme will see the expansion and reconfiguration of Terminal 2, to become the airport’s primary terminal building. MAG is keen to introduce ‘the latest technology’ in a new, enlarged security hall and a host of new ‘customer-friendly enhancements’. These will comprise self-service check-in facilities and around 50 food and beverage and retail outlets.

 

The improvements will be delivered inside the existing footprint of the airport and are consistent with the established guidance provided by the Manchester Airport Master Plan; that growth will be phased, incremental and making best use of the existing terminal campus area.