The Enquirer understands the framework spend will be shared out between the contractors, and will initially run for three years with the potential for two further 12-month extension periods.

It covers all MAG’s capital delivery needs across the group portfolio, which includes Manchester, Stansted, East Midlands and Bournemouth airports.

Andrew Cowan, chief operating officer for Manchester Airports Group, said: “The group has doubled in sized this year with the acquisition of London Stansted and with a number of major projects due to get underway, we wanted to have a group of partners alongside us capable of delivering high-quality engineering and construction work so that we can continue to develop the business.

“We’ve also selected partners that are capable of covering the wide geographical footprint of our operations as we now have airports in London, the South, Midlands and the North of the country.

“They are also experienced in the aviation sector and will get to use those skills across a wide array of assets including runways, terminals, car parks and our property portfolio.

“We need partners that share our vision and drive so we are pleased to have secured three companies of suitable scale to our framework roster.”

The contractors will provide a full construction service including building and infrastructure solutions.