Astra Group, has completed on a “seven-figure” wayfinding contract for Manchester Airport.
The brief – to design, manufacture and install new signage throughout the international airport’s new Terminal 2 and make traveller navigation easier and more efficient – saw a significant number of products delivered, spanning the airport approach, forecourt, check in and departure desks, and pier.
The activity forms part of Manchester Airport Group’s £1.3bn transformation of the UK’s third largest airport into a key global gateway, increasing the number of passengers passing through the modern transport hub from an average of 2,300 per hour to an impressive 7,000.
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The wayfinding project, delivered by Astra Group in collaboration with contractors MACE Group and BAM Construction, took two years to complete (including design, production and installation) and saw an extensive suite of products created to ensure passengers enjoy a seamless journey. These include external gate signage, wall-mounted maps, sophisticated flight information displays, digital totems, and an extensive network of internal directional signs, room directories, and lift directories.
Speaking on the completion of the work, Paul Dyke, group sales director at Astra Group, said: “Terminals are dynamic, high-pressure environments and intuitive wayfinding is essential to ensure passengers move confidently and comfortably through the space. The most successful wayfinding solutions are those that feel effortless – where signage forms part of a coherent family of elements and sits seamlessly within the architectural vision.
“The priority throughout was to create a wayfinding experience that genuinely supports passengers – reducing stress, improving accessibility and contributing to a safe, intuitive journey. At the same time, the scheme plays an important role in reinforcing a strong sense of brand and place, while supporting the terminal’s wider commercial objectives.”
Already earning industry-wide acclaim, the new terminal’s wayfinding scheme, designed, produced and installed by Astra Group, was named Wayfinding Scheme of the Year at the prestigious Sign Industry Awards 2026.
The event saw the major transport hub and leading signage provider rise above strong competition to affirm its success in delivering a clear, cohesive and intuitive passenger experience within a complex architectural setting.
Dyke added: “This was a complex programme with significant technical challenges, requiring an innovative and carefully coordinated approach to ensure full ASIAD compliance while aligning with the wider vision for the space.
“We are grateful for the collaborative approach taken by Manchester Airports Group, Mace Group and BAM Construction throughout the programme. Delivering a project of this scale demanded close partnership and shared commitment, and we’re extremely pleased with the result achieved together. To see this work recognised by our industry peers and recognised as The Sign Industry Awards’ Wayfinding Scheme of the Year is a proud moment for all involved.”
The project’s completion comes ahead of PTE World Expo, the world’s leading international trade show and conference dedicated to airport design, development, operations and passenger experience, where Astra Group is exhibiting at London Excel next week (March 17-19).
Astra Group’s other recent projects include working with Co-op Live to design, manufacture and install all exterior, neon graphic, infinity mirror and large format LED displays; Manchester City to deliver its new large format LED displays in City Square; Manchester International Festival to deliver the signage throughout its new Aviva Studios home; Arnold Clark with whom it has worked into new business sectors, and Out of Home media partners such as Global, with whom Astra Group continues to deliver both with transport environments and large format roadside advertising displays.
UK and international clients include BT, Manchester Airport Group, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Bowmer & Kirkland, NHS, Gino Restaurants, Manchester City Football Club, Samsung, Gatwick Airport, Skechers, Global, JCDecaux, easyJet, Alight Media, Arnold Clark, and Unilever.
