LIFE IN THE LUXURY LANE

Private terminals aren't just for private jets upgrade your next journey with these exclusive airport departures

-  ALICE HENDERSON, HANNAH BRANDLER, MICHAEL MÖSER and ALESANDRA DUBIN

AETHER, MANCHESTER AIRPORT

What's it like?

Opened at the end of 2024, (in the former PremiAir VIP terminal space), aether is a private terminal open to all.

Operated by CAVU, a subsidiary of Manchester Airports Group (MAG), the terminal is a five-minute drive from the airport's main terminals, next to the Runway Visitor Park.

Guests can arrive by taxi or private car (aether also offers a Meet & Greet valet service). A neatly kept lawn and covered walkways lead up to the main entrance, with a separate discreet side entrance for VIPs.

The main lounge is a bright, open-plan space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the airfield (peak activity is around 2pm for plane-spotting enthusiasts).

Furnishings are neutral and chic, with wood beams used throughout and artwork by Conor McGuinness.

Sliding doors partition the space into three smaller soundproofed rooms, which can be booked privately for meetings, with a boardroom table and TV facilities.

There are ample charging points and magazines throughout - plus free access to PressReader.

How does it work?

Aether is open from 4am until 10pm, with space for up to 12 guests at a time.

Guests must check-in online, but the terminal has two bag drop machines, a security scanner and border force. Note: the baggage drop points can only be used by those travelling with aether's partner airlines (which includes British Airways, Emirates, SAS, Cathay Pacific and Virgin Atlantic). Those flying with a different airline will need to check their bag in at the airport.

When it's time to board, guests are personally notified and transferred to their gate in BMW cars.