Manchester Airport unveils ‘private jet’ experience even for Ryanair passengers

For prices starting at £50, passengers will be able to avoid the busy public areas of the existing terminals

“Buy Ryanair, fly private” – that is the promise from Manchester Airport, as it revealed plans for an exclusive terminal.

The airport, which is the third-busiest in Britain, is planning an experience called PremiAir. For prices starting at £50, passengers will be able to avoid the busy public areas of the existing terminals.

The traveller can park in a secure area, check in their bags, wait in a private lounge and go through a dedicated security channel.

Shortly before departure, passengers will be driven straight to their plane in a private car transfer.

The service may appeal to premium passengers on long-haul airlines such as Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific. But it could also be used for a short hop on Ryanair to Dublin or on easyJet to Alicante.

The terminal also accepts inbound travellers. They will be met at the airport steps by a private car and driven to the PremiAir facility for fast-track passport processing. They will then wait in the lounge while their baggage is retrieved and brought to them.

The new facility will be well away from the existing terminals at a site next to the Runway Visitor Park. It is expected to open in “mid-2019”, in time for the peak summer season.

The facility could appeal to less mobile but well-off passengers. The airport claims: “The total walking distance from arriving at the terminal to the aircraft door will be under 20 metres.”

Andrew Harrison, chief executive, airport services, for Manchester Airports Group, said: “We hope the services it will offer will appeal to a wide range of passengers, whether they are travelling for business, want to mark a special occasion or just want to add something different to their experience.”

Private hub: an artist's impression of the new terminal (Manchester Airport)

He said that it could be extended to the group’s other airlines, Stansted and East Midlands.

Ross Powell, director of operations for the designer, Jacobs, said: “We have worked hard with the Airport to create a simple yet elegant design, utilising natural materials, full height glass and visual connection to the airfield to offer the guest a warm, relaxing and personalised environment.”

Manchester Airport claims: “No other major airport in the UK offers an accessible private terminal option for passengers on a ‘pay as you use’ basis.

“Such facilities are often restricted to business class and first class passengers or certain airlines, typically at significant additional cost.”

But for many years Heathrow Airport has had a VIP service based at the Windsor Suite.

“Heathrow VIP” is available only for those on first or business class tickets. It costs £3,300 for up to three passengers.

The airport tells potential clients: “Paparazzi are not allowed in the secure area of our Suites and photography of any kind is not allowed at Heathrow without a permit.” But it warns: “We cannot guarantee long distance photographs will not be taken.”