Manchester Airport Transformation Programme

[MKY661]

I have a travel agent booking on Loganair in July. At the time of booking it said T3. I've just checked the travel agent website manage booking and it now says Terminal 2. I've also looked at MMB on the Loganair website and it says T2

Looks like they plan on going ahead with the closure of T3 check-in and Security by June then if this is the case, which appears is the deadline when the new scanners have to be in place for all airports. I'd assume it would be around the same time as BA and Aer Lingus move over, whenever that will be.

On another topic, flew from and back into T1 last Month, the new scanners are now in place in Departures B (though it looks like they have been for a bit, I just hadn't seen it mentioned here unless I missed it). Very impressed with the speedy service so now I get the hype with why T2 security is so good. We did have fast track, but that's only available in Departures A now and I wasn't sure if the new scanners were in place there yet, so we took the chance and I'm glad we did.

Also spoke to some EasyJet ground and crew staff, and they seemed sure that EasyJet are planning to move into T2, so wonder if things have changed again? If they do move though then I'd still be worried about the lack of stand space available at T2 for them. Though maybe the removal of only one Airbridge on Stands 29 and 31 makes me think they'll stay in T1 for a bit still, since surely it would have been easier to remove the whole airbridge to make way for the dual taxiway works if they were to move to T2.

 

[Trumpington]

Looks like they plan on going ahead with the closure of T3 check-in and Security by June then if this is the case, which appears is the deadline when the new scanners have to be in place for all airports. I'd assume it would be around the same time as BA and Aer Lingus move over, whenever that will be.

On another topic, flew from and back into T1 last Month, the new scanners are now in place in Departures B (though it looks like they have been for a bit, I just hadn't seen it mentioned here unless I missed it). Very impressed with the speedy service so now I get the hype with why T2 security is so good. We did have fast track, but that's only available in Departures A now and I wasn't sure if the new scanners were in place there yet, so we took the chance and I'm glad we did.

Also spoke to some EasyJet ground and crew staff, and they seemed sure that EasyJet are planning to move into T2, so wonder if things have changed again? If they do move though then I'd still be worried about the lack of stand space available at T2 for them. Though maybe the removal of only one Airbridge on Stands 29 and 31 makes me think they'll stay in T1 for a bit still, since surely it would have been easier to remove the whole airbridge to make way for the dual taxiway works if they were to move to T2.

Not a chance Easyjet can move, no space, even if Pier 3 built! T1 and T3 low cost terminals..

 

[LS@MAN]

Looks like they plan on going ahead with the closure of T3 check-in and Security by June then if this is the case, which appears is the deadline when the new scanners have to be in place for all airports. I'd assume it would be around the same time as BA and Aer Lingus move over, whenever that will be.

On another topic, flew from and back into T1 last Month, the new scanners are now in place in Departures B (though it looks like they have been for a bit, I just hadn't seen it mentioned here unless I missed it). Very impressed with the speedy service so now I get the hype with why T2 security is so good. We did have fast track, but that's only available in Departures A now and I wasn't sure if the new scanners were in place there yet, so we took the chance and I'm glad we did.

Also spoke to some EasyJet ground and crew staff, and they seemed sure that EasyJet are planning to move into T2, so wonder if things have changed again? If they do move though then I'd still be worried about the lack of stand space available at T2 for them. Though maybe the removal of only one Airbridge on Stands 29 and 31 makes me think they'll stay in T1 for a bit still, since surely it would have been easier to remove the whole airbridge to make way for the dual taxiway works if they were to move to T2.

It's been announced by the airport's managing director publicly that Ryanair will move over to T1 (the new T3 departures) by the end of the year, this can only mean T3 current check in and security has to remain in place until then. There has to be a request to the DoT for an extension in such cases, so I would assume MAG have already contacted them and got the agreement if it's been stated that Ryanair aren't transferring from T3 until the end of year.
BA and Aer Lingus were due to transfer over to T2 in April, so who knows when this will happen?! Loganair is moving over before July, as someone I know who is flying with them early July has received an email communicating the change of terminal.

Ref T1 security scanners, last I heard a few weeks back, departures A had around 2/3 scanners left to install then T1 would be complete with all the new equipment. I am using departures B in June flying with Easyjet so hopefully it will be smooth...

It's been mentioned by people in the know previously on this forum and others (although I admit, nothing concrete), that EasyJet have already been allocated their offices in T2 and will transfer over in October/November which would coincide with the beginning of the winter schedule, therefore less based aircraft in T2 and less movements, so this would make logical sense for the winter period, but come next summer let's hope the new T2 can cope!
The airbridge removals on stands 29 & 31 will mean eventually these stands become max code C aircraft capable (up to the size of EasyJet A321neo only for example) to enable the use of the new dual taxiway system, even with a code C aircraft parked on these stands, it does not block the use of this new future taxiway system. I would imagine these stands (along with the others on pier C) are kept for Easyjet's use and therefore passengers will be bussed to and from the aircraft, but maybe it will only be required for the first wave departures and late night / early hours arrivals...?
Please correct me if I am wrong, but at the moment EasyJet has 22 based A/C at MAN (19 A320 and 3 A321neo). I don't know if all their based aircraft also fly daily during the winter period, but between Piers 1 and 2, the remote Zulu stands, the new remote stands on the western apron and Pier C (T1), then there will be room for all of these based A/C, yes I appreciate using Pier C and a bussing operation isn't ideal, but if it means transferring their ops to T2, then that's what we will have until we eventually get a 3rd and overdue Pier 3!

 

[MKY661]

It's been mentioned by people in the know previously on this forum and others (although I admit, nothing concrete), that EasyJet have already been allocated their offices in T2 and will transfer over in October/November which would coincide with the beginning of the winter schedule, therefore less based aircraft in T2 and less movements, so this would make logical sense for the winter period, but come next summer let's hope the new T2 can cope!
The airbridge removals on stands 29 & 31 will mean eventually these stands become max code C aircraft capable (up to the size of EasyJet A321neo only for example) to enable the use of the new dual taxiway system, even with a code C aircraft parked on these stands, it does not block the use of this new future taxiway system. I would imagine these stands (along with the others on pier C) are kept for Easyjet's use and therefore passengers will be bussed to and from the aircraft, but maybe it will only be required for the first wave departures and late night / early hours arrivals...?
Please correct me if I am wrong, but at the moment EasyJet has 22 based A/C at MAN (19 A320 and 3 A321neo). I don't know if all their based aircraft also fly daily during the winter period, but between Piers 1 and 2, the remote Zulu stands, the new remote stands on the western apron and Pier C (T1), then there will be room for all of these based A/C, yes I appreciate using Pier C and a bussing operation isn't ideal, but if it means transferring their ops to T2, then that's what we will have until we eventually get a 3rd and overdue Pier 3!

Interesting to see this then! I would still be worried about stand space (and I don't think most passengers would be happy with a constant bussing operation) but when the cargo sheds do go that would free up Pier C to make way for Pier 3 and I think if Pier 3 was to be built then it would be a bit more manageable for EasyJet, though it would ofc depend on if Jet2, TUI etc. would expand further. Possible that Pier B could be used for remote too if Ryanair were not planning on using it? (though if they did they would have 30+ stands for them which is quite generous).

EasyJet have 20 based at the moment (11x A320, 7x A320neo & 2x A321neo) though I think one or two more usually come along June time for the peak summer schedule. Winter is a few less aircraft than now I think but all aircraft are used, I did notice the spare A320 they have based at Liverpool did position over quite a bit to cover MAN ops this winter. I think there's longer turnaround times in some cases during the winter though and less late night arrivals.

 

[marni1971]

when the cargo sheds do go that would free up Pier C to make way for Pier 3 and I think if Pier 3 was to be built

Again, pier C and satellite as newly configured would not be in the way of pier 3.

Speaking of moves, currently BA flights are still scheduled in terminal 3 at least to the end of June.

 

[LS@MAN]

Interesting to see this then! I would still be worried about stand space (and I don't think most passengers would be happy with a constant bussing operation) but when the cargo sheds do go that would free up Pier C to make way for Pier 3 and I think if Pier 3 was to be built then it would be a bit more manageable for EasyJet, though it would ofc depend on if Jet2, TUI etc. would expand further. Possible that Pier B could be used for remote too if Ryanair were not planning on using it? (though if they did they would have 30+ stands for them which is quite generous).

EasyJet have 20 based at the moment (11x A320, 7x A320neo & 2x A321neo) though I think one or two more usually come along June time for the peak summer schedule. Winter is a few less aircraft than now I think but all aircraft are used, I did notice the spare A320 they have based at Liverpool did position over quite a bit to cover MAN ops this winter. I think there's longer turnaround times in some cases during the winter though and less late night arrivals.

I disagree ref the amount of space, more so for the winter period. During the winter just gone, I observed many quiet periods over in T2 when there was around 5/6 EasyJet aircraft occupying stands in T1. For example, a lot of the overseas based aircraft flying into MAN arrive between 7.30am through to 9.00am and in the evenings, only last night I observed 4 Easyjet arriving from overseas bases at Faro, Alicante, Palma and Amsterdam when there were few aircraft at both T1 & T2.
I can't see there being a justification for all EasyJet aircraft to be using Pier C for every single flight.
I'm sure the ops teams have algorithms in place for these types of scenarios to work out stand availability based on the airlines' schedules.

I believe Pier B (east side) will have Ryanair aircraft parking overnight, so again bussing passengers for the last flights in and the first wave out.

Thanks for the clarification ref the amount of Easyjet aircraft based at MAN. I do now remember reading online a while back that the 3rd A321neo will arrive in time for the peak summer period.

 

[marni1971]

I believe Pier B (east side) will have Ryanair aircraft parking overnight, so again bussing passengers for the last flights in and the first wave out.

Technically they should be able to walk.

 

[LS@MAN]

Technically they should be able to walk.

Is there a direct link from T3 to Pier B? Unless they make a new connection, I did read something a few months ago about a construction firm getting a contract to create a new walkway from T1 duty free area (for the new T3 departures) through to the T3 departure lounge...

 

[marni1971]

Is there a direct link from T3 to Pier B? Unless they make a new connection, I did read something a few months ago about a construction firm getting a contract to create a new walkway from T1 duty free area (for the new T3 departures) through to the T3 departure lounge...

I recall someone saying blocked only by a set of doors. It shouldn’t be difficult to knock through a wall. I want to say part of BAMA originally allowed for airside access to the 1994 pier B extension.

 

[CCGE29]

Not a chance Easyjet can move, no space, even if Pier 3 built! T1 and T3 low cost terminals..

Doesn’t mean we won’t see a transfer of a pier from one terminal to another…

 

[LS@MAN]

Doesn’t mean we won’t see a transfer of a pier from one terminal to another…

I recall quite a few years ago now, some CGI's of a bridge connecting legacy T2 to Pier C...as long as it has windows and travellator's will be fine! (And then I woke up!).

 

[Haz]

Regarding easyjet in T2. I believe the initial plan at first wave is to have 7 aircraft on T2 contact stands, 8 on T2 remote stands and the remaining 8 parked around T1 B/C Pier as remote stands. B/C pier will also host multiple Jet2, Tui and other nightstopping aircraft. It’s unclear if passengers will be bussed or the aircraft towed to T2 after some of the first wave has departed. I suspect the ones on Zulu remote will be towed to pier 1. Ryanair will use existing T3 stands as well as the current stand 1 of T1.

 

[marni1971]

Doesn’t mean we won’t see a transfer of a pier from one terminal to another…

Tease! Are they looking at that again?

Although surely the layout and space of C is now seen as not good enough.

 

[Haz]

Does anyone have info regarding the Emirates lounge? I have noticed that the windows on the eastern side of pier 2 are much bigger on the arrivals level than the narrow slits on the opposite side (presumably the arrivals corridor). Could these larger windows indicate the location of the Emirates lounge which is right between the A380 capable stands? This would allow direct boarding from the lounge.

 

[marni1971]

Does anyone have info regarding the Emirates lounge? I have noticed that the windows on the eastern side of pier 2 are much bigger on the arrivals level than the narrow slits on the opposite side (presumably the arrivals corridor). Could these larger windows indicate the location of the Emirates lounge which is right between the A380 capable stands? This would allow direct boarding from the lounge.

Correct. Arrivals level with access to both gates.

Squeeeezee !

 

[MKY661]

Thank you all for the clarification and thoughts, really useful info.

I did hear elsewhere that none of the international airlines currently at T1 (Corendon, Icelandair, SAS, etc.) will be moving till after the summer season now, so if I had to make a guess I reckon they'll all move over to T2 around the same time after the summer season, similar to what they did last year.

And hopefully my EasyJet flights to GIB will be one of the 7 that use a contact stand lol, but we're usually one of the first out. I usually head straight to the gate after spotting for a bit anyway, since I know which one it'll be as I know the registration once arriving at MAN, so hopefully it'll still be fairly simple for this once the T2 move occurs.

 

[LS@MAN]

Thank you all for the clarification and thoughts, really useful info.

I did hear elsewhere that none of the international airlines currently at T1 (Corendon, Icelandair, SAS, etc.) will be moving till after the summer season now, so if I had to make a guess I reckon they'll all move over to T2 around the same time after the summer season, similar to what they did last year.

And hopefully my EasyJet flights to GIB will be one of the 7 that use a contact stand lol, but we're usually one of the first out. I usually head straight to the gate after spotting for a bit anyway, since I know which one it'll be as I know the registration once arriving at MAN, so hopefully it'll still be fairly simple for this once the T2 move occurs.

Apparently the pier 2 will become operational in July but for the airlines currently using T2. So I think post the summer period we can expect airlines from T1 to transfer over.

It’s not clear when BA are moving from T3 but it’s due to happen before the end of summer, same for Loganair.

 

[Trumpington]

I'm sure the airport will have a plan!

 

[Trumpington]

Schematics for Pier 2 look good. I'm told western apron remotes will stay in place and be used at night, dual taxiway Echo (currently marked disused on apron diagram) will be used during day time only

From TAS website

From TAS website

 

[LS@MAN]

Schematics for Pier 2 look good. I'm told western apron remotes will stay in place and be used at night, dual taxiway Echo (currently marked disused on apron diagram) will be used during day time only

From TAS website

From TAS website

That indeed might be a temporary measure, but once the cargo and freight sheds are vacated, demolition is due to start.
I was also under the understanding that the stands themselves will be removed and as the lighting is already installed for the new taxiway, it won’t be a huge task to make these changes.
Although they could always continue to marshall aircraft onto fictitious overnight stands, however, it’s widely reported that pier C will continue to have aircraft parked up overnight.