New £80million terminal redevelopment project set to be launched at Stansted today

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin will join Mike Davies, the chairman of Manchester Airports Group (MAG), new owners of the airport, and Stansted Airport managing director, Andrew Harrison to launch the start of the scheme to transform the inside layout of the airport’s iconic terminal building.

The new design is aimed at reflecting changes in the way passengers have changed their habits over the last decade and will be the biggest transformation since the terminal opened in 1991.

The overwhelming majority of its passengers now check in online and more than half travel without checked-in baggage.

The changes to the Lord Foster-designed terminal building are aimed at making better use of existing space and providing passengers with new security facilities and an enlarged departure lounge.

MAG’s long-term ambition is to make Stansted the best airport in London.

It used research by psychologists to understand the points when passengers feel confused, stressed and relaxed during their time at the airport. They also analysed changing trends and passenger expectations over recent years and in the future to inform the plans.

It is investing £40m in the project to redevelop the terminal with a further £40m invested by commercial partners.

The transformation will provide a more intuitive and easier journey through the airport, a bigger and relocated security area, double the amount of seating, better restaurants and more shopping choice alongside improved way-finding and additional flight information screens.

The new design will also provide flexibility to accommodate future airline requirements as Stansted grows it existing customer base and begins to attract a broader range of airline partners.

Mr McLoughlin said: “Just three months into its ownership of the airport MAG has shown it is prepared to invest in the infrastructure to improve passenger services and provide new facilities.

“The millions invested in this project will transform Stansted Airport’s terminal building and the way passengers use it. That’s not just good news for travellers, it’s also good news for the country because this sort of improvement to our transport infrastructure helps to make the UK more competitive in the global economic race.”

Mr Harrison, said: “Today marks the start of a significant investment programme to transform the terminal and help deliver our ambitious plans to radically improve Stansted and make it the airport of choice in London for airlines and passengers alike.

“The way airlines and passengers use the airport has dramatically changed over recent years with far fewer passengers using check-in desks or travelling with hold baggage but spending more time in the departure lounge.

“This exciting transformation project responds to these changing trends and will create a quicker and more efficient security process and bring some sparkle to what is already a fantastic terminal.

“Our focus is to provide great service and facilities and put Stansted in the strongest position to compete effectively for new routes, airlines and passengers and this transformation of our terminal is a critical element in achieving this aim and central to our future growth plans for Stansted.”

A relocated and enlarged security search area, including 22 standard lanes and dedicated lanes for families and passengers with reduced mobility, plus fast track for premium travellers, is due to open early 2014.

A larger departure lounge will include improved facilities such as new and additional toilets, more flight information screens and a new ‘calm zone’ between the security and departure lounge.

A complete redesign of departure lounge retail layout will provide more seating and space to relax, more bars and restaurants and a great choice of shops.

The development is part of a wider £230m investment programme to upgrade security, retail and car parking services at Stansted over the next five years.