Transport Minister visits Manchester Airport as work begins on £1bn transformation

The Secretary of State for Transport visited Manchester Airport today (July 21) as work begins on its £1bn transformation programme.

MP Chris Grayling’s visit coincided with the start of the consulting process for the Government’s new Aviation Strategy, which will set out a vision for UK aviation over the next three decades.

The Manchester Airport Transformation Programme (MAN-TP), currently the North West’s biggest private investment, will aim to provide passengers and airlines with facilities combining state-of-the-art services with enhanced customer service.

Once complete, the development will raise the airport’s annual capacity from its current level of around 20 million passengers to 45 million.

Mr Grayling said: “Aviation is central to our future prosperity as we leave the European Union. As a global, trading nation we want to build on the great industry we have today and create opportunities for people up and down the country.

“Our new aviation strategy will look beyond the new runway at Heathrow and sets out a comprehensive long-term plan for UK aviation. It will support jobs and economic growth across the whole of the UK.”

He continued: “I welcome Manchester Airport Group’s £1bn programme to double the size of Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2 which will create 1,500 jobs.

“This is great news for the local economy and for passengers who will be able to fly to more destinations, more often.”

Image: How the new departure space will look

MAG CEO Charlie Cornish commented: “Today marks a significant moment in the history of Manchester Airport and demonstrates the confidence that we have in the long-term future of both the North and the UK economy.

“This is the largest private investment that has been made in the region for some time and the increased connectivity that it will deliver will enable it to become one of the most accessible and productive regions in Europe.”

He added: “I am delighted that the Secretary of State has chosen to launch the Government’s Aviation Strategy at Manchester Airport today and welcome his commitment to maximising the growth opportunities of Manchester and Stansted, which will be vital to the UK’s future connectivity and prosperity.”

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