A new bookable lounge with panoramic views and food by chef Adam Reid is set to open up at Manchester Airport.
Called aether, the lounge will be a new, state-of-the-art facility; a private terminal that will be accessible to book for all airline passengers.
It will be akin to the lounges usually reserved for first class and business class passengers, and will launch with a dining experience by Adam Reid, the award-winning chef-patron at Adam Reid at The French, in the Midland Hotel.
Passengers with any kind of airline ticket will be able to book into the lounge, which will include food and drinks, and a range of other tiered options, including full check-in and security clearance and even private parking.
Some tiers will even include access to a fleet of electric BMWs, providing a premium chauffeur-driven service across the airfield straight to the plane.
Packages will start from £90 per person, with an ‘Express’ option for those with just cabin bags, which then provides access to go straight through the private terminal to their departure gates.
Meanwhile, the ‘Inclusive’ option for those with either cabin or checked bags can be used on either departure or arrival, allowing guests to enjoy the terminal’s full offering, including a curated menu, all food and drinks and the private chauffeur to aircraft service.
There will also be an ‘Inclusive +’ option with checked bags too, for those flying with operators including Emirates, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
Travellers will also be able to bring along non-travelling guests to enjoy the private terminal experience and wave them off before their flight.
Booking reservations will open on 6 June, for passengers to use the private terminal from 4 November, 2024.
Suzanne Orr, general manager of aether, said: “Our Private Terminal is a sanctuary, offering a thoughtfully designed, elevated experience away from the hustle and bustle of what you’d usually expect in an airport. We prioritise tranquillity and provide a seamless service to offer our guests an effortless start, or even end to their journey.
“What sets aether apart is its inclusivity; it’s accessible to all passengers, regardless of ticket class, and doesn’t require membership.
“This democratisation of premium airport services marks a significant shift in the industry, offering a reimagined airport experience to a much broader audience.”
Manchester Airport Managing Director Chris Woodroofe added: “At Manchester Airport we’re proud to connect the North to the world with an ever-growing list of destinations unrivalled by any airport outside London.
“And we want people to feel like their holidays start at the airport – not only when they reach their destination.
“That’s why we put a lot of thought into making sure we have something for everyone at Manchester Airport and it’s why we’re really excited by the launch of aether.
“aether will let people really start their holidays in style and offers an elevated experience while also being accessible and open to anyone regardless of what ticket they’ve bought.”
You can join the waitlist from today (9 May), to be the first to access the pre-sale reservations on 3 June.
