Manchester Airport has revealed plans to be the first major UK airport to open a private terminal that will offer passengers a private jet experience when flying on commercial airlines.
Access to the PremiAir terminal will be available to all passengers, irrespective of class of travel or destination, with prices starting at £50 (US$65). There will be different services available depending on individual passengers’ preferences and the terminal will be entirely separate to the existing three terminals at Manchester Airport.
PremiAir services will include a personalized welcome, speedy baggage processing, an elegant lounge with complimentary food and drink, and a dedicated security channel. Passengers will then be driven straight to their plane in a private car transfer.
Passengers arriving into Manchester will also be able to use PremiAir, either as part of a round-trip booking or as a standalone service. They will benefit from a car transfer direct from their plane and use of a dedicated passport control service. They will also be able to relax in the PremiAir lounge while their luggage is returned personally to them.
Inside the PremiAir terminal, there will be a range of spaces designed to cater for different needs, ranging from individual travelers to larger groups.
Andrew Harrison, CEO, airport services at airport operator MAG, said, “By introducing PremiAir, we’re offering something unique for all of our passengers, and creating a completely new way to travel. It is something a large number of customers have been telling us for some time they would be interested in and we hope the services it will offer will appeal to a wide range of passengers, whether they are traveling for business, want to mark a special occasion or just want to add something different to their experience.
“The launch of PremiAir at Manchester Airport is the beginning of an exciting new project for MAG and we plan to assess opportunities to introduce it at other airport sites in the future. At MAG, we are always looking for new and innovative products to improve the passenger experience, and PremiAir is a significant addition to our portfolio.”
Construction work is now underway on a site next to the Runway Visitor Park, where the new terminal will be sited. The existing Runway Visitor Park buildings will not be changed, and the facility is due to open in mid-2019.
Ross Powell, director of operations of Jacobs, which designed the PremiAir Terminal, said, “Jacobs are absolutely delighted to have supported MAG bring this exciting and unique new product to the market. We have worked hard with the airport to create a simple yet elegant design, utilizing natural materials, full height glass and visual connection to the airfield to offer the guest a warm, relaxing and personalized environment.”
Interested in the departure lounge experience? Check out the ‘Commercial Development, Retail, Concessions & Media’ stream at the Passenger Terminal Conference, which takes place during Passenger Terminal Expo, on March 26, 27 and 28, 2019, in London.