PASSENGERS sampled a taste of the future as the first phase of Manchester Airport's transformation ended.

The early work involved in the £1bn programme saw a new pier and carpark open yesterday, with five flights leaving the revamped Terminal 2.

The pier, which stretched over 200m into the air, provides views of the airfield for all airlines currently using the terminal.

Andrew Cowan, airport CEO, said: “Today is a significant milestone for Manchester Airport as we deliver the first phase of the biggest investment we have made in our 80 year history.

“We are delighted to wave off the first handful of flights from the new pier, as we build up to bringing it into full operation in the days ahead.

“What that means is our customers can start to enjoy the new facilities, at the same time as getting a taste of what to expect from the next stages of our £1bn transformation programme.

“Today is just the start. Over the coming years we will transform the airport for all of our customers, giving the North the world class airport it deserves. The investment we are making and the range of destinations we connect to, in all corners of the world, underlines the vital role Manchester Airport plays in creating jobs and driving growth across the North of England.

“Having first put a spade in the ground in July 2017, a huge amount of work has gone into getting our new pier and multi-storey car park ready to open today and I would like to thank all of our colleagues and delivery partners for their efforts.”

The pier has been built with more than 300 individual panes of glass and is equipped with 11 gates and airbridges and more than 1,400 seats.

The next phase of the programme is the extension of Terminal 2. Work is underway and will see the terminal more than double in size.

The extension will open in summer 2020 with more than 40 new food and beverage outlets and shops planned.