Our regular feature, brought to you in association with Strange Nature gin from New Zealand, celebrates memorable scenes, moments, launches and campaigns related to the global aviation and travel retail sphere.
UK. Today’s selection comes from Manchester Airport, whose recently revamped Terminal 2 was recognised as “one of the world’s most beautiful airports” according to the prestigious design and architecture awards Prix Versailles.
The UNESCO-recognised awards lauded the terminal’s “perfectly mastered interior design“, innovative architecture and locally-driven F&B offer which include restaurants and bars such as San Carlo, Archies and Se7en Brothers.
Manchester Airport Terminal 2 is one of 24 airports recognised by the Prix Versailles (see full list below) this year.
Terminal 2 is part of the £1.3 billion (US$1.64 billion) Manchester Airport Transformation Programme and was designed by Pascall+Watson architects. It opened in 2021 and was part of the 2022 group of nominees for Prix Versailles.
The next phase for Terminal 2’s expansion will make it the primary terminal for 80% of the airport’s passengers by 2025.
The Manchester Airport Transformation Programme, led by Manchester Airport Group (MAG), will create over 500 jobs and an expected 16,400 will be generated by 2040 as a result of the economic activity stimulated by the expansion.
Commenting on the recognition, Manchester Airport Managing Director Chris Woodroofe said: “We’re proud to serve the people of the North, not only by connecting them to the world via a route network unrivalled by any UK airport outside London – but also by offering them an airport experience that matches any major international capital city.
“The Prix Versailles naming Terminal 2 as one of the most beautiful airport terminals in the world is recognition of the hard work and expertise that has gone into creating a truly world-leading facility for the people of the region.
“And the most exciting thing is that we’re not even finished yet. More than one million working hours have gone into the Manchester Airport Transformation Programme so far but there’s much more to come.
“We’re moving into phase two now and over an epic 18 months between now and 2025 we’ll see work finish on the project. By that time, around 80% of our passengers will go through Terminal 2 so while many may not have experienced it yet, the chances are you will do in future.”
Prix Versailles Secretary General Jérôme Gouadain added: “Manchester Airport today joins the World’s Most Beautiful Airports thanks to the remarkable architectural work on Terminal 2 and recognised during the 2022 edition of the Prix Versailles.
“Focusing on the purity of lines and a perfectly mastered interior design, the airport combines lightness and conviviality. Inspiring.”
The recognition not only recognises the over one million hours of work poured into the project since it was first launched in 2015, but also MAG’s ambition of turning the regional gateway into a world-leading international aviation hub. ✈
