Laing O’Rourke drew on its global aviation experience, developed over decades of delivery in Europe, Australia and the Middle East, to execute Manchester Airport’s bold transformation programme.

Manchester Airport Transformation Programme
Manchester, UK
At a glance

Aviation projects often require an ‘invisible builder’, one that can bring about major change while operations continue without disruption in a live environment.

Laing O’Rourke, having provided new airport infrastructure around the globe, understands the challenge and its solutions. Our aviation expertise makes us a world leader.

We were responsible for the extension to Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2. This included the forecourt and baggage hall, as well as the addition of a 216-metre pier, an eight-storey carpark and a bus lounge. The terminal would increase in size by 150%.

Construction took place in a live airport environment used by 30 million passengers annually, and next to an active airfield.

Delivering certainty on time and on budget

To ensure project success, we brought our pioneering use of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) together with our aviation and program management expertise.

One example of this approach was the manufacture and installation of three mega risers, a task requiring deep alignment between teams to avoid disruption to surrounding works.

The mega-risers were made up of 48 multi-service risers containing ventilation, ductwork, water piping, electrical containment and heating services. They were manufactured offsite over a 10-week period. All services were quality inspected before leaving the factory.

When the risers arrived, delivered by our Explore Transport logistics team, the on-site team simply needed to lift them into place, connect and put them through final commissioning. Each was installed over a four to five-day period.

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Our £1bn transformation will allow us to continue playing our role as the UK’s global gateway in the North, offering our 29.5m annual passengers and the entire region a world class airport, connecting them to a wealth of vital economic and tourist hubs. We’re delighted with the progress that’s been made on the project and we can’t wait for passengers to experience the new facilities. The new extension will offer a real step change to our passengers with state-of-the-art facilities and a great selection of shops and restaurants for them to enjoy.

Andrew Cowan Former CEO of Manchester Airport
Manchester

Modular install at Manchester Airport

Manchester

Manchester Airport Transformation Programme - Voices on the frontline

Manchester

Manchester Airport Transformation Programme

Manchester

Manchester Airport Transformation - First Select Plant Hire tower crane

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83%

of suppliers and subcontractors sourced locally

1,500

people on site at peak

150

apprentices

Manchester

Images of the Manchester Airport Transformation Programme

Manchester

Images of the Manchester Airport Transformation Programme

Manchester

Images of the Manchester Airport Transformation Programme

Manchester

Images of the Manchester Airport Transformation Programme

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The result

Our world-class experience meant we were aligned in our approach, delivering certainty to the client. The main build phase of the project was successfully handed over, on time and within budget, in March 2020.

Adding social value

  • 83% of spend with local suppliers & contractors
  • 73% of workers form the local area, supporting employment
  • 4 pre-employment programmes delivered, resulting in 9 x 12-week paid placements offered
  • 60+ people from the pre-employment programmes achieved a construction qualification
  • 696 hours of STEM and career-based activities delivered
  • 75 educational establishments benefitted, including local primary schools, secondary schools, colleges and universities
  • 65 work experience placements completed
  • 11 paid placements completed (duration 3 – 12 months)
  • 150 apprentices employed
  • 11 inclusivity campaigns delivered, engaging over 1500 people
  • £36k+ invested in local community projects
  • £60k raised for charities, including CLIC Sargent, Manchester MIND, Marie Curie and British Heart Foundation