Airport launches pioneering private terminal service, aether, for passengers
A pioneering private terminal at Manchester Airport has been unveiled by its digital travel services business, CAVU.
It says its aether private terminal will redefine the airport experience for all passengers, representing a significant evolution at the site, offering a UK-first private terminal accessible to all airline travellers.
The state-of-the-art facility will provide a personalised experience for international passengers through limited-capacity reservations, available seven days a week.
With a portfolio boasting 24 lounges worldwide, CAVU builds on more than 80 years of aviation expertise to introduce aether as its latest addition.
Leveraging the success of Escape Lounges and 1903 Lounges in the UK and US, CAVU has seven additional lounges in development, set to serve more than three million passengers annually.
CAVU has forged strategic partnerships with BMW and Adam Reid. This BMW collaboration ensures seamless transitions from the private terminal to designated gates at Manchester Airport, with guests chauffeured in BMW vehicles, including the BMW i7 – featuring a rear 32” screen – BMW X7 – six or seven-seater – or the BMW XM.
The collaboration with Adam Reid, the award winning and renowned chef at Adam Reid at The French, in the heart of Manchester, will create an elevated dining experience, with a crafted menu designed to leave guests feeling refreshed and ready for their onward journey.
Starting from £90 per person and as part of a tiered offering, there are two packages for aether guests to enjoy: ‘Express’ for those with just cabin bags, provides access to go straight through the Private Terminal and reach their gate with ease; ‘Inclusive’ for those with either cabin or checked bags can be used on either departure or arrival and allows guests to enjoy the full offering, including a curated menu, all food and drinks and a private chauffeur to their aircraft.
Guests can also bring along non-travelling guests to enjoy the aether service and wave them off before their flight, subject availability and at an additional cost.
Reservations will open on Thursday, June 6, for passengers to use the private terminal from Monday, November 4, 2024.
Manchester Airport has seen record-breaking passenger traffic, surpassing 200 destinations in March 2024. With increased international travel, lounge spending at the airport has surged, underscoring the demand for premium airport experiences.
Martin Jones, CAVU CEO, 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.”