Manchester Airport Transformation Programme

[MKY661]

@MKY661 yes, the arrivals level. Especially on the west facing side, we arrived back from Kos in June on stand 6 or 8 and entered into a narrow corridor, turned left to go up the steps and then the walk to immigration, it was like stepping back in time!
I just hope Ryanair won’t be using this bit for arrivals!

Ah yeah, that's remained the same as it was pretty much so no change in there atm.

But once T1 closes, where will passengers go. Through airbridges into Pier C, downstairs onto coaches to T2? Assuming Easyjet will occupy all Pier C stands. Assuming Ryan and Easy ultimately be only airlines using Piers A, B and C once everything else moved to T2. Can anyone shed any light?

From feedback on here, I believe Pier C will be used as remote stands from T2, so passengers will be bussed directly from T2 to the aircraft with no entry or exit into Pier C. Unless things have changed.

 

[Trumpington]

Ah yeah, that's remained the same as it was pretty much so no change in there atm.



From feedback on here, I believe Pier C will be used as remote stands from T2, so passengers will be bussed directly from T2 to the aircraft with no entry or exit into Pier C. Unless things have changed.

In which case Pier C airbridges will be become redundant. Seems a bit odd if they went to trouble of removing 2 of double airbridges for dual taxiway ops, so must be a plan to keep it in use. They could be thinking of linking Pier C to T2 Eastern Pier and scrapping Pier 3 and 4 as a cheaper alternative?! Lol

 

[MannyJon]

First part of the new bit of departures opened this morning, Starbucks, lego, Pandora, Joe and the juice, upper crust all open. Plus the much needed extra seating.

 

[LS@MAN]

Pier B is not being mothballed - will be used by FR/RK from November.

The windows have been cleaned and it’s in the process of being repainted black from the washed out grey look. Currently they’ve completed stand 10-6 and were up to stand 4 yesterday. During this work they are also using the time to re-paint the lines on the apron.

CCGE29

@CCGE29 has this work on pier B now been completed?
It’s good that management are making an effort on the appearance of the pier if it’s still going to be used.

On the subject of line painting, I think the lines and stand numbers at the T3 area need a freshen up too!

 

[marni1971]

A few observations from a live stream today;

The pier 2 portacabins remain in place, consequently gates 208/10, 212 and 214 still await their airbridges.

The 60s to 70s remote stands by the cargo terminal are being used for storage; the traditional red and white wooden apron barriers now enclose the stands expected to be moved / removed for the dual taxiway.

 

[CCGE29]

@CCGE29 has this work on pier B now been completed?
It’s good that management are making an effort on the appearance of the pier if it’s still going to be used.

On the subject of line painting, I think the lines and stand numbers at the T3 area need a freshen up too!

B Pier external refresh completed.

Lines around T3 were only re-painted last winter! Shows how fast they fade.

CCGE29

A few observations from a live stream today;

The pier 2 portacabins remain in place, consequently gates 208/10, 212 and 214 still await their airbridges.

The 60s to 70s remote stands by the cargo terminal are being used for storage; the traditional red and white wooden apron barriers now enclose the stands expected to be moved / removed for the dual taxiway.

Stands 68-73 are closed with taxiway Echo diverted across the stands as 14 failed pavement slabs are replaced abeam stand 70. The red and white water blocks are just to separate the apron road from the diverted taxiway.

Stands affected will be re-instated in mid August.

CCGE29

 

[LS@MAN]

B Pier external refresh completed.

Lines around T3 were only re-painted last winter! Shows how fast they fade.

CCGE29


Stands 68-73 are closed with taxiway Echo diverted across the stands as 14 failed pavement slabs are replaced abeam stand 70. The red and white water blocks are just to separate the apron road from the diverted taxiway.

Stands affected will be re-instated in mid August.

CCGE29

Thanks for the info.
I see November-Charlie is closed until end of September according to the NOTAM, is this for creation of new stands? Will these stands have safedock installed or will a taxiway still be use here when the stands are not occupied?

 

[CCGE29]

Thanks for the info.
I see November-Charlie is closed until end of September according to the NOTAM, is this for creation of new stands? Will these stands have safedock installed or will a taxiway still be use here when the stands are not occupied?

It will remain a taxiway however when not required will be utilised as stand 80 / 231L/R.

It’s closed for modifications to the fuel hydrant system until late September as you say.

CCGE29

 

[CCGE29]

Little update,

The pier enclave is being cleared slowly so it can become airside at the end of the month. Four bridges left to be installed.

Opening date provisionally 19th October now as the pavement of taxiway NA has failed abeam 112 so taxiway will be diverted across the future stands 207-213 whilst repairs take place.

Rest of T2 departure lounge to open in November.

Next airlines to T2 include EI/AY/SK in late September. GF will follow in October.

CCGE29

 

[LS@MAN]

Little update,

The pier enclave is being cleared slowly so it can become airside at the end of the month. Four bridges left to be installed.

Opening date provisionally 19th October now as the pavement of taxiway NA has failed abeam 112 so taxiway will be diverted across the future stands 207-213 whilst repairs take place.

Rest of T2 departure lounge to open in November.

Next airlines to T2 include EI/AY/SK in late September. GF will follow in October.

CCGE29

Thanks for the update as always.
Shame pier 2 opening had to slip again due to a failed pavement on a new taxiway! But these things happen I suppose.

Good news ref airline transfers in September, didn’t think that would happen until November at the earliest, so obviously with Aer Lingus moving over next month, all the domestic and CTA arrangements are ready then?

Little update,

The pier enclave is being cleared slowly so it can become airside at the end of the month. Four bridges left to be installed.

Opening date provisionally 19th October now as the pavement of taxiway NA has failed abeam 112 so taxiway will be diverted across the future stands 207-213 whilst repairs take place.

Rest of T2 departure lounge to open in November.

Next airlines to T2 include EI/AY/SK in late September. GF will follow in October.

CCGE29

Just to clarify, GF is Gulf Air?

 

[MKY661]

Thanks for the update as always.
Shame pier 2 opening had to slip again due to a failed pavement on a new taxiway! But these things happen I suppose.

Good news ref airline transfers in September, didn’t think that would happen until November at the earliest, so obviously with Aer Lingus moving over next month, all the domestic and CTA arrangements are ready then?



Just to clarify, GF is Gulf Air?

GF is Gulf Air yes.

Surprised BA & LM aren't listed as they were supposedly the next to move, obvs seems plans have changed

 

[CCGE29]

GF is Gulf Air yes.

Surprised BA & LM aren't listed as they were supposedly the next to move, obvs seems plans have changed

There has been some resistance over the new arrivals procedures which is delaying moves.

Also concerns for additional remote turn arounds and a lack of check in space in T2.

Zone A in T2 not ready (will be EK’s check in Zone) and with Zone C being planned for EZY leaves little wiggle room to fit in additional carriers which already sees daily disputes between handling agents/airlines for check in desks.

Hopefully all will be ironed out over coming months but the airline move dates are very fluid and change by the week.

CCGE29

 

[MKY661]

There has been some resistance over the new arrivals procedures which is delaying moves.

Also concerns for additional remote turn arounds and a lack of check in space in T2.

Zone A in T2 not ready (will be EK’s check in Zone) and with Zone C being planned for EZY leaves little wiggle room to fit in additional carriers which already sees daily disputes between handling agents/airlines for check in desks.

Hopefully all will be ironed out over coming months but the airline move dates are very fluid and change by the week.

CCGE29

Ahhh no worries! Sounds like check-in space is a bit of an issue in T2 as well then. I still feel a bit worried about the EasyJet move to T2 with the lack of stand space for 23 aircraft for the morning rush and considering Ryanair will have most of check-in A, both Security A & B as well as all of T3 and Pier B I do feel there is still enough room for EasyJet, but I'm sure MAG will have planned something out to work. I wonder if Check-in B in T1 is planned to be used by Ryanair too, if so that seems an overwhelmingly large amount of space for them.

 

[LS@MAN]

There has been some resistance over the new arrivals procedures which is delaying moves.

Also concerns for additional remote turn arounds and a lack of check in space in T2.

Zone A in T2 not ready (will be EK’s check in Zone) and with Zone C being planned for EZY leaves little wiggle room to fit in additional carriers which already sees daily disputes between handling agents/airlines for check in desks.

Hopefully all will be ironed out over coming months but the airline move dates are very fluid and change by the week.

CCGE29

What is the idea of this new arrivals procedure in terms of biometrics? Is this a new government requirement or something MAG have decided to introduce for these type of flights? It seems quite a faff, especially considering the current set up in T3 works well.

If the rumours are true and Emirates aren't moving over due to their lounge not being operationally ready until early next year, then surly zone A can be used by other airlines in the interim period?

Ahhh no worries! Sounds like check-in space is a bit of an issue in T2 as well then. I still feel a bit worried about the EasyJet move to T2 with the lack of stand space for 23 aircraft for the morning rush and considering Ryanair will have most of check-in A, both Security A & B as well as all of T3 and Pier B I do feel there is still enough room for EasyJet, but I'm sure MAG will have planned something out to work. I wonder if Check-in B in T1 is planned to be used by Ryanair too, if so that seems an overwhelmingly large amount of space for them.

I don't think stand space will be an issue as such, sounds more like space within T2 check in area and the bussing operation to remote stands are the problems.
Easyjet will continue to use Pier C at T1 when they have transferred over to T2, but there will be a bussing system in place as these stands will be classed as remote and passengers will be bussed to and from the B gates area.
There was something stated on another forum that said the Easyjet operation during the first wave departures would be spread out, like for example: 9 on Pier 2, 6 on Zulu remote stands and 8 on Pier C.

It's envisaged that Ryanair will use Pier B stands (and of course current T3 stands) and again, by the sounds of it a bussing operation will be required there also.
For the T1 check in, I think security A will be used primarily and maybe security B as an overflow (just my guess).

 

[MKY661]

I don't think stand space will be an issue as such, sounds more like space within T2 check in area and the bussing operation to remote stands are the problems.
Easyjet will continue to use Pier C at T1 when they have transferred over to T2, but there will be a bussing system in place as these stands will be classed as remote and passengers will be bussed to and from the B gates area.
There was something stated on another forum that said the Easyjet operation during the first wave departures would be spread out, like for example: 9 on Pier 2, 6 on Zulu remote stands and 8 on Pier C.

It's envisaged that Ryanair will use Pier B stands (and of course current T3 stands) and again, by the sounds of it a bussing operation will be required there also.
For the T1 check in, I think security A will be used primarily and maybe security B as an overflow (just my guess).

Ah yes sorry, for EasyJet I was referring to Contact stands specifically at T2, I should have specified that. Currently they seem to have most, if not all contact stands for all operations over at T1 now. It's a decent operation dare I say! I just hope the constant bussing over to Pier C and the other remote stands isn't going to be a massive hassle for crew and passengers. And yes I also saw the proposed stands on another forum too, not sure if those plans have changed since.

The recent refurbishment of Pier B from the exterior makes me think Ryanair will use Pier B inside now since it's not being mothballed unlike Pier C. Departures could still be accessed from the T1 departure lounge as normal and then arrivals bussed back to T3 arrivals, unless a walking route is being planned from there (maybe through the current BA lounge)? That's a guess of course but I guess we'll see further down the line.

T2 legacy arrivals also looks to be a while off completion when when I last went through on the JetParks 3 bus. The old lights still seem to be in place hanging off anyway.

 

[LS@MAN]

Ah yes sorry, for EasyJet I was referring to Contact stands specifically at T2, I should have specified that. Currently they seem to have most, if not all contact stands for all operations over at T1 now. It's a decent operation dare I say! I just hope the constant bussing over to Pier C and the other remote stands isn't going to be a massive hassle for crew and passengers. And yes I also saw the proposed stands on another forum too, not sure if those plans have changed since.

The recent refurbishment of Pier B from the exterior makes me think Ryanair will use Pier B inside now since it's not being mothballed unlike Pier C. Departures could still be accessed from the T1 departure lounge as normal and then arrivals bussed back to T3 arrivals, unless a walking route is being planned from there (maybe through the current BA lounge)? That's a guess of course but I guess we'll see further down the line.

T2 legacy arrivals also looks to be a while off completion when when I last went through on the JetParks 3 bus. The old lights still seem to be in place hanging off anyway.

Indeed, it's only Easyjet overnight now in T1! And as you say, it's a good set up and works well.
I just hope MAN have enough buses and drivers for that matter! Especially come next summer when all airlines except Ryanair will be in T2!

Yes, as Pier B has been painted in black from the outside (on the west facing side anyway), it feels to me like inside of Pier B will be used by Ryanair, easier enough for passengers to get there from the departure area of T1, however, it was planned for a new walking route from duty free through to T3 departures, so no idea if that has now changed?!
For arrivals, the bussing operation would be used (I don't think there is a way to get to T3 arrivals internally from Pier B, but could be wrong).
I personally think the best thing to do is to retain the current T1 departures area post duty free where the restaurants and bars are upstairs, with the shops downstairs and continue to use this area as part of T3...yes the walking distance to T3 departure gates is long, but very similar to walking to the end of Pier 1 over in T2 now. This area is bright and airy and still feels fairly modern, a spruce up of the floor and licks of paint here and there and there's no reason why it can't be used.
But...on the other hand, T3 is getting a large investment in the departure improvements, so makes me think this area would be getting mothballed too and they may just make a new route to Pier B from the southern front perhaps, which is the connection that can be used today between both terminals.

 

[KARFA]

What is the idea of this new arrivals procedure in terms of biometrics? Is this a new government requirement or something MAG have decided to introduce for these type of flights? It seems quite a faff, especially considering the current set up in T3 works well.

nothing to do with the government. it is because there isn't a segregated arrival route between the arrival gate and immigration, so UK/CTA arrivals who do not need do go thro immigration mix with those on international flights who do. you do not need it in t3 as from 141/142/143 there is a route which does not mix with other international passengers, you go down the stairs and along the corridor to the baggage hall and exit.

so in t2 in order to allow UK/CTA arrivals to go thro the channel at immigration where passports aren't checked, you have to capture biometrics immediately when the UK/CTA passengers are getting off, and then to another check at immigration to ensure that it is only those people going via the UK/CTA channel. you can immediately see that this is going to cause a backup of passengers trying to get off the aircraft, and creates a choke point at the end of the jetbridge as folks have biometrics captured - imagine being in the last row of a a321neo with 220 odd passengers in front of you. this causes issues which may make a 50 minute turnaround impossible - added to the longer taxi routes you can see why there is resistance from ba to the move.

no other UK airport does CTA/UK arrivals this way with biometric capture on exit from the jetbridge and again at immigration.

 

[marni1971]

And creates a choke point at the end of the jetbridge as folks have biometrics captured

Surely you’re not saying it isn’t real time facial capture ??

 

[KARFA]

Surely you’re not saying it isn’t real time facial capture ??

Same system as is in t1 and t3. You stop and have a photo taken.

 

[Liverpoola380]

nothing to do with the government. it is because there isn't a segregated arrival route between the arrival gate and immigration, so UK/CTA arrivals who do not need do go thro immigration mix with those on international flights who do. you do not need it in t3 as from 141/142/143 there is a route which does not mix with other international passengers, you go down the stairs and along the corridor to the baggage hall and exit.

so in t2 in order to allow UK/CTA arrivals to go thro the channel at immigration where passports aren't checked, you have to capture biometrics immediately when the UK/CTA passengers are getting off, and then to another check at immigration to ensure that it is only those people going via the UK/CTA channel. you can immediately see that this is going to cause a backup of passengers trying to get off the aircraft, and creates a choke point at the end of the jetbridge as folks have biometrics captured - imagine being in the last row of a a321neo with 220 odd passengers in front of you. this causes issues which may make a 50 minute turnaround impossible - added to the longer taxi routes you can see why there is resistance from ba to the move.

no other UK airport does CTA/UK arrivals this way with biometric capture on exit from the jetbridge and again at immigration.

When you arrive in the LHR T5. On Domestic arrivals or International arrivals transfering to domestic you will have your biometrics taken. Its not an ardouous process. Providing there is about 3/4 biometric scanners at the gate I cant see it causing too much of an issue. Does anybody know if it is a boarding pass or passport scan or just biometircs.

If its a boarding card scan the airline will have to remind the pax to retain their boarding card until entering the arrivals hall.

Indeed, it's only Easyjet overnight now in T1! And as you say, it's a good set up and works well.
I just hope MAN have enough buses and drivers for that matter! Especially come next summer when all airlines except Ryanair will be in T2!

Yes, as Pier B has been painted in black from the outside (on the west facing side anyway), it feels to me like inside of Pier B will be used by Ryanair, easier enough for passengers to get there from the departure area of T1, however, it was planned for a new walking route from duty free through to T3 departures, so no idea if that has now changed?!
For arrivals, the bussing operation would be used (I don't think there is a way to get to T3 arrivals internally from Pier B, but could be wrong).
I personally think the best thing to do is to retain the current T1 departures area post duty free where the restaurants and bars are upstairs, with the shops downstairs and continue to use this area as part of T3...yes the walking distance to T3 departure gates is long, but very similar to walking to the end of Pier 1 over in T2 now. This area is bright and airy and still feels fairly modern, a spruce up of the floor and licks of paint here and there and there's no reason why it can't be used.
But...on the other hand, T3 is getting a large investment in the departure improvements, so makes me think this area would be getting mothballed too and they may just make a new route to Pier B from the southern front perhaps, which is the connection that can be used today between both terminals.

My understanding is that T1 duty free will be retained.

The whole departures area in T3 will be mothballed with new transit routes being enabled to move pax from T1 to T3.

There are already established routes as were used during covid. I think they will need to establish a new arrivals route for Pier B.

It will be interesting to see which immigration area is retained the current T3 or T1. Or it could be both of them depending upon arrivals. I am sure I have ready that baggage will be collected in T3 which seems wild considering there are only two carousels. Unless they open up into the current T1 baggage hall.