Manchester airport opens new luxury terminal

The PremiAir facility is now fully operational and open to passengers flying on 25 carriers regardless of class of travel. Packages include the use of dedicated security and immigration channels, hold luggage screening and handling, plus a la carte food and drink and private transfers to and from aircraft via BMW 7 Series cars.

PremiAir is operated by Manchester Airports Group. Business development and partnerships director Richard Hill said: “We are working with a number of high-end travel agents where we will give them a portal they can dial into with set rates depending on the deals we have with them.”

Published rates for a departure only are from £100pp, with round trips from £175 and arrival-only from £125. Travellers with hand luggage only, wanting a fast-track security experience and using the facility for an hour pay a £50 fee.

The purpose-built Scandinavian-style construction is situated just off the M56 next to the Runway Visitor Park. The building has capacity for around 70 and the main lounge features floor to ceiling glass overlooking the taxiway. The lounge can be divided for groups and there are four VIP rooms with a separate entrance.

Unusually, the lounge is landside, allowing for meetings between travellers and non-travellers. MAG claims inbound passengers can pass through the terminal within 16 minutes of the flight landing.

The facility has 20 car parking spaces and when these are full, valet parking is offered.

MAG’s airport services chief executive Andrew Harrison added: “We wanted to create something very, very different that did not feel like an airport at all.”

PremiAir users so far have been overwhelmingly from the leisure sector, although Manchester’s football teams and Real Madrid have also passed through.

“We have tried to make this something that is not just for footballers and to give customers choice,” said Harrison.