SWARCO Installs the UK’s Largest VMS at Manchester Airport
Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2 just got a high-tech facelift, and it’s hard to miss. Towering over World Way Road, a mammoth new Variable Messaging Sign (VMS) has taken pride of place on a bespoke digital gantry – the largest of its kind anywhere in the UK.
Manufactured and installed by SWARCO UK & Ireland, this impressive piece of tech is more than just big: it’s smart, sustainable, and central to the airport’s long-term strategy for smoother traffic flow and an enhanced passenger journey.
Officially unveiled with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on 9 April, the digital gantry is part of phase two of the ongoing Manchester Airport Transformation Programme (MAN-TP). This multi-million-pound initiative is reimagining the airport experience, from curbside to check-in.
What Makes the Gantry So Special?
Let’s break it down. The structure itself spans 12 metres wide and 9 metres high, holding a 9m x 3m VMS – now the largest digital road sign in Britain. Installed near Terminal 2 on World Way Road, the sign is designed to provide drivers with real-time updates and directional guidance, significantly easing congestion during peak drop-off times.
And it’s no static monolith either. The VMS, which features SWARCO’s patented lens technology, allows for dynamic messaging, adjusted remotely and instantly. Whether it’s pointing drivers to the correct forecourt or warning of delays ahead, the sign is adaptable to the airport’s ever-changing traffic landscape.
The cutting-edge lens technology doesn’t just provide crystal-clear visuals – it also ensures minimal power consumption. That means a lower carbon footprint and longer life cycle, aligning perfectly with Manchester Airport’s push towards sustainable operations.
Easing the Forecourt Flow
One of the core aims of the MAN-TP is to streamline the experience for both passengers and those dropping them off. As part of this, two new forecourts will be introduced in May 2025: one at ground level and another right next to the T2 check-in hall. This dual-level approach is set to revolutionise how passengers access Terminal 2, and the new VMS will be instrumental in directing vehicles efficiently to the appropriate zones.
Dominic Kershaw, Business Change Lead for Manchester Transformation at Manchester Airport, underlined the importance of this technology: “The installation of the digital gantry is a vital component in enhancing the overall operational efficiency of Terminal 2. With advanced wayfinding and responsive traffic systems, Manchester Airport continues to evolve in line with modern passenger needs, supporting a more seamless, stress-free, and sustainable journey from the moment travellers arrive.”
A Strategic Collaboration
This isn’t SWARCO’s first rodeo. The company has a solid track record of delivering intelligent transport systems across the UK and Europe. But this project required more than just technical expertise; it demanded a truly collaborative approach.
John Pickworth, Managing Director of SWARCO UK & Ireland, explains: “We are proud to support Manchester Airport in delivering its Transformation Programme. By working in close collaboration throughout the project, we were able to fully understand and implement their bespoke requirements and have delivered a high quality, highly reliable and energy efficient solution that will improve guidance for drivers and passengers alike at Terminal 2.”
This wasn’t a one-size-fits-all job. Every aspect of the gantry was tailored to fit Manchester Airport’s operational needs and long-term sustainability goals. From the modular design to the remote management capabilities, it’s a textbook example of innovation meeting infrastructure.
Enhancing Safety and Sustainability
Beyond traffic flow and wayfinding, the VMS adds a layer of operational safety. It can instantly relay important updates, such as changes in access routes or emergency alerts. That’s a big win for both airport authorities and the public, especially during peak hours or unexpected incidents.
And let’s talk green. SWARCO’s solution reduces energy consumption through its lens design, which directs light more efficiently and needs fewer LEDs than conventional systems. Less energy means lower emissions and reduced maintenance – music to the ears of any forward-thinking airport operator.
This eco-conscious approach is a key part of Manchester Airport Group’s broader vision. The group is aiming to achieve net zero carbon operations by 2038, and every low-energy addition – like this sign – counts.
What’s Next for Manchester Airport?
The Terminal 2 revamp is just one cog in a much bigger machine. MAN-TP is a rolling programme of developments designed to futureproof the airport and cater to growing passenger numbers. With international travel rebounding and demand on the rise, efficient infrastructure is critical.
By investing in advanced signage, digital systems, and multi-level access points, Manchester Airport is laying down the blueprint for the next generation of aviation hubs. Smart, connected, and user-friendly.
Further down the line, we can expect to see more tech-led enhancements across the campus, including:
- Real-time passenger flow monitoring
- AI-enabled predictive maintenance tools
- Automated check-in and baggage drop systems
- Enhanced electric vehicle infrastructure
A Sign of Smarter Things to Come
It might just look like a very big road sign, but this VMS gantry is a powerful symbol of change. It reflects a broader shift across the UK’s transport infrastructure towards intelligent, sustainable, and responsive systems. And for Manchester Airport, it signals a step closer to delivering an integrated, stress-free travel experience from kerb to cabin.
With projects like these taking flight, there’s little doubt that the skies ahead are looking clearer – and a lot more connected.
