A £1 billion transformation programme is taking shape at Manchester Airport following the delivery of the first major phase of work.

Laing O'Rourke's major works saw the introduction of a giant new pier, which connects to Terminal 2 and provides panoramic views of the airfield. The new 216m pier will be used by all airlines currently operating out of T2.

It has been built with more than 300 individual panes of glass and is equipped with 11 gates and airbridges, more than 1,400 seats and stylish wayfinding throughout.

Peter Jones, Operations Leader for Laing O'Rourke, said: "It is a significant achievement to have the pier, link bridge and multi-storey car park ready for airport guests within 18 months. The project's design, construction methods and logistics were all planned digitally before construction on the edge of the live airfield began. Our digital engineering approach meant we, and our project partners were able to work together efficiently; putting productive solutions in place to minimise disruption to passengers and staff, while delivering new facilities for Manchester Airport on time."

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Andrew Cowan, CEO of Manchester Airport, added: "Today is a significant milestone for Manchester Airport as we deliver the first phase of the biggest investment we have made in our 80 year history.

"We are delighted to wave off the first handful of flights from the new pier, as we build up to bringing it into full operation in the days ahead.

"What that means is our customers can start to enjoy the new facilities, at the same time as getting a taste of what to expect from the next stages of our £1bn transformation programme.

"Today is just the start. Over the coming years we will transform the airport for all of our customers, giving the North the world class airport it deserves. The investment we are making and the range of destinations we connect to, in all corners of the world, underlines the vital role Manchester Airport plays in creating jobs and driving growth across the North of England.

"Having first put a spade in the ground in July 2017, a huge amount of work has gone into getting our new pier and multi-storey car park ready to open today and I would like to thank all of our colleagues and delivery partners for their efforts."

Work is well underway on the extension to the existing Terminal 2, which will see the space more than double in size. It will open in summer 2020 with 40 plus new food and beverage outlets and shops, followed by a further 40 when the existing building is fully refurbished.

The £1bn investment in Manchester Airport will provide major improvements to the customer experience with new security halls and the latest technological advancements.

Once the Terminal Two extension opens in Summer 2020 the existing building will close for refurbishment with it due to reopen in 2022. Further piers will open in 2022 and 2024. 

(CM/JG)