Yahoo News First look at Manchester Airport's new private terminal Aether with luxury lounges, personal chauffeurs and stunning views
Passengers will soon be able to indulge in a high-end travel experience at Manchester Airport's new private terminal.
The terminal, named Aether, will offer customers a luxurious lounge, a private security lane and a chauffeur service to their flight. Aether is the brainchild of CAVU, a company established by Manchester Airports Group (MAG), and is set to welcome passengers from November 4.
Situated in a separate building near the Runway Visitor Park, Aether offers a peaceful haven far removed from the hustle and bustle of the main terminals. Externally, it bears no resemblance to the main airport, boasting a curved metal structure and a wooden walkway.
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Upon entering, passengers are greeted by a spacious reception area where they can check-in luggage if their airline has partnered with Aether. Alternatively, the lounge is open to any passengers travelling with carry-on luggage only.
Guests can then relax in the main lounge area, adorned with modern furnishings, seating areas and impressive floor-to-ceiling windows that provide stunning views across the airfield and the distant countryside. The view is a stark contrast to that of the main terminal - there's hardly any concrete in sight here, with the lawn area extending right up to the building, reports the M.E.N.
You can kick back in one of the laid-back leather seats by the window, sit on a stool at the desk area to finish up some last-minute work, or immerse yourself in a book in one of the cosy chairs. Attentive staff will be available to serve refreshments throughout your stay and Aether has teamed up with chef Adam Reid from The French restaurant in Manchester to offer an all-day dining experience.
In some ways, Aether is like other luxury lounges you can reserve at Manchester Airport, but what makes it unique is that staff are always available to look after passengers and provide a personalised experience. The terminal will only accommodate small groups at a time - about 8-10 people - so you can enjoy the space within your travel group (stag and hen parties are not permitted).
The lounge area itself can be partitioned into separate sections, offering even more privacy if parties wish. It can even be divided for 'V-VIPs' so they remain unseen before their flight.
Interestingly, there won't be any departure boards displayed as staff will keep track of your flight progress for you and inform you of any changes. When it's time to leave, passengers will go through Aether's own security lane, with only your party passing through at any one time.
Then a chauffeur-driven BMW, complete with massage seats, will whisk you off to your terminal for your flight. Aether can also be used by incoming passengers as it has its own border force area, providing a relaxing space for passengers to wait while their luggage is collected by staff.
Another advantage of Aether is that the terminal is entirely airside, meaning the security process is completed at the final step, allowing non-travelling guests to spend time in Aether before their loved ones depart for their flight, for a small fee. This means you can enjoy a relaxed farewell with your loved ones before they set off on their journey.
How much will it cost?
Starting from £90 per person and as part of a tiered offering, there will be two different packages for guests to enjoy:
'Express' - For those with just cabin bags, provides access to go straight through the Private Terminal and reach their gate with ease from £90 per person.
'Inclusive with cabin bags' - suitable for those with just cabin bags to enjoy the full offering, including a curated menu, all food and drinks and a private chauffeur to their aircraft from £150 per person.
'Inclusive with checked bags' - For those suitable with both cabin and checked bags to enjoy the full offering, including a curated menu, all food and drinks and a private chauffeur to their aircraft from £170 per person.
Guests planning on booking a checked bag package will need to be flying with a partner airline, which includes British Airways and Cathay Pacific, while all other passengers are able to book the cabin bag only options.
When will it open?
Bookings are already open and the private terminal will open for use from Monday, November 4, 2024.
