Manchester Airport unveils plans for new private terminal with top chef and BMW chauffeurs

Manchester Airport is set to get a brand new private terminal delivering a 'premium sanctuary'. The new terminal will have food curated by one of the city's most acclaimed chefs and guests will be able to book a BMW to whisk them to their flight at the new "state of the art facility".

CAVU, founded by Manchester Airports Group (MAG), has unveiled 'Aether' - which they describe as a "pioneering UK-first private terminal accessible to all airline travellers". The facility will provide an "effortless and personalised experience" for international passengers through limited-capacity reservations, which will be available seven days a week.

Usually reserved for first and business class, it is now set to open to everyone as a purchasable service for all passengers. Aether offers a contemporary, self-contained, private space, completely away from the main airport terminal - it even includes elevating the experience of check-ins, security and private parking, reports the Manchester Evening News.

CAVU has also forged partnerships with BMW which they say will provide a 'seamless transition' from the private terminal to designated gates at Manchester Airport. Passengers can expect to 'relax and unwind' with a chauffeur-driven service in a variety of top models, including the all-electric BMW i7, the seven-seater BMW X7 and their latest luxury performance BMW XM.

Aether is also collaborating with award-winning and renowned chef Adam Reid from The French restaurant in Manchester to create an 'elevated dining experience and crafted menu for guests'. The chef says he has built a "real engagement" with what Manchester has to offer in terms of northern hospitality.

"I'm really excited to be able to offer people a real feeling of what Manchester and northern hospitality is about," Adam said at the launch event for Aether today. "The food offering will reflect that with local ingredients and a local feel to the menu and it will encompass an all-day dining experience. I can't wait to see it."

It comes as passenger traffic is at an all time high at Manchester Airport, which has now surpassed 200 destinations offered to travellers as of March 2024. They say that with increased demand for international travel, airports across the country are reporting that more passengers than ever are looking for premium lounge experiences.

Martin Jones, CEO of CAVU, said: "The launch of Aether marks a pivotal moment in our mission to redefine airport travel. Building upon the success of our existing lounges, we recognise the rising demand for premium yet accessible airport experiences. Aether fills this gap, elevating the airport's premium travel offerings."

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:

Guests can also bring along non-travelling guests to enjoy the Aether service and wave them off before their flight, which will be subject to availability and available at an additional cost.

When will it open?

Reservations will open on Thursday 6 June for passengers to use the private terminal for flights from Monday, November 4, 2024.

However, guests can join the waitlist now and register here from today