The new third platform at Manchester Airport Station offically opened on schedule in January 2009.

One of the major milestones within this project was the installation of a new road-over-rail bridge in February. The bridge was rolled into place two days earlier than planned, enabling the main road into the airport to be reopened five days ahead of schedule. Working on behalf of Carillion, Tony Gee and Partners carried out the permanent and temporary structural works and highway design for the scheme. Tony Gee also provided the design of the new station platform and canopy.

Jointly funded by Network Rail, Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, Manchester Airport plc and Northern Way, the £15m Design & Build project will help to improve performance, reliability and timetabling and allow for better train planning and longer trains. It will also allow the Station to handle the increased frequency of London to Manchester trains in the most efficient way.

The station also remained open throughout construction causing minimal disruption to passengers and to the airport itself. The scheme is part of the larger Master Plan which focuses on the development and expansion of Manchester Airport over the next 25 years.