Construction and consultancy company, Mace, has been appointed by Manchester Airports Group (MAG) to manage the second phase of the Manchester Airport Transformation Programme (MANTP).

The programme will expand Manchester Airport's role as the UK's global gateway in the North, transforming the passenger experience and helping attract new routes to key international destinations.

The first phase of the £1.3bn programme has already seen Terminal 2 more than double in size. Representing a £440m investment, the phase two works will see the remainder of Terminal 2 modernised, and a second pier built. The programme is expected to complete in 2024, with the new facilities opening in 2025.

Mace brings extensive experience managing the delivery of major aviation projects and programmes, most recently at Keflavik Airport in Iceland and Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands. The business has global expertise working with a range of airport operators and carriers.

The company has been appointed as the project management and construction delivery specialists for the redevelopment of Terminal 2 and the construction of the second phase of the new Pier 2 to create additional contact served aircraft stands.

The transformation programme will contribute significant social and economic benefits to the surrounding community. Mace and its supply chain partners will create over 500 new jobs, while independent analysis commissioned by Manchester Airport shows around 16,400 extra jobs will be generated by 2040 as a result of the economic activity stimulated by the expansion of the airport and its route network.

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The same research – by York Aviation – reveals the economic contribution Manchester Airport makes to the Northern economy will soar by £2.75bn as a result of the full delivery of its transformation programme.

And a further £2.9bn boost will be triggered through the increased productivity of businesses travelling and trading globally through Manchester over the same period.

Mace and its supply chain partners will also engage over 1,500 young people across Greater Manchester, aim to raise £70,000 for local charities and donate at least 500 hours of employee volunteering time. It has been established that at least 5% of the workforce should be apprentices for the duration of the project.

During the build phase, over £75m will be contributed to the local area through wider business operations, regional supply chains and tourism recovery beyond the pandemic. Over £1.3m in social value has already been created to date.

Jason Millett, Chief Executive Officer, Mace Consult, said: "It's fantastic to be delivering a project which will have such a significant impact on levelling-up the UK through job creation and enhanced connectivity. Through our partnership with Manchester Airport and local stakeholders, we will create vital infrastructure for passengers.

"Helping to deliver on our vision for growth, our experienced project and programme consultants will bring their extensive aviation expertise and regional knowledge to apply fresh thinking to our approach. In turn, we aim to continue supporting the aviation sector's path to recovery post-pandemic."

Paul Willis, Chief Development Officer, Manchester Airport Group, said: "The second phase of the Manchester Airport Transformation Programme represents the concluding chapter of the most ambitious expansion project in the history of the airport, and in turn signifies a huge milestone for our city, the North and also the wider recovery of the travel industry.

"We are looking forward to working with Mace to create a world-class facility that will provide not only regional connections, but also improved global connectivity."