Our regular feature, brought to you in association with Duty Free Global from Ireland, celebrates memorable scenes, moments, launches and campaigns related to the global aviation and travel retail sphere.
UK. Our latest images come from Manchester Airport Terminal 2, where an impressive array of retail and food & beverage options now crowns a significantly upgraded passenger journey, writes Senior Business Editor Mark Lane.
In recent years, Manchester Airport has controversially propped up the table in the annual Which? survey ranking the UK’s best airport terminals, much (as we know from direct communications) to staff at operator Manchester Airports Group’s ire and disbelief.
From my own past experiences, the Which? view felt unduly harsh – these surveys tend to sway in favour of smaller airports. However, there’s no denying that long security queues can make for a stressful start to the passenger journey, particularly on early morning departures, often accompanied by staff who could be terse and officious.
My first experience of the expanded Terminal 2 – central to the airport’s £1.3 billion (US$1.76 billion) transformation programme – came last week (30 April) on an 11am departure to Copenhagen Airport, ahead of a preview trip to discover Menzies Aviation’s new Pearl Lounge.
Arriving just before 9am, the difference from previous experiences was immediate. I cleared security in under five minutes, aided by new 3D CT scanners that allow passengers to keep electronics and liquids in their bags. Just as notable was the warmth and friendliness of the staff.
Less than a minute after getting through security, I entered the spacious new walk-through Avolta World Duty Free store, as striking and polished as you would expect from the global travel retail leader (stay tuned for our upcoming on-location review with CEO Xavier Rossinyol in early June).
The first food & beverage offer follows immediately – and makes a statement. A premium Fever-Tree bar sits beneath a majestic 11-metre wood canopy, setting the tone for what follows.
A strong retail line-up, including Boss and The Beauty Collection by Dufry, leads into an expansive open lounge area, anchored by a giant digital screen promoting the terminal’s diverse retail and dining offer.
I have shared many images of the offer here, including the vibrant Seven Brothers bar featuring sounds from a Manchester DJ and other examples of the eclectic array of dining and shopping choices.
Bravo, Manchester Airport. If this latest visit is any indication, those old and I would argue tired perceptions of the passenger experience are set to change for the better, and fast. ✈
