Work on the 39,000 square metre terminal is due to start this spring and is scheduled for completion in autumn 2020.

The terminal is the flagship project in the airport’s £600m transformation, which will support its future growth and pioneer the next generation of travel at London Stansted.

To mark the award, a fly-through animation has been released showing what the airport will look like following the transformation.

Ken O’Toole, CEO of London Stansted, said: “London Stansted’s transformation project is really gathering momentum. We’ve made fantastic progress so far, but it’s this year when the project starts to take-off when work begins on our arrivals terminal.

“The terminal is the most significant contract the airport has awarded as part of this project, and when complete it will provide a first-class, technology enabled, experience for our passengers.”

Gareth Lewis, Mace’s Chief Operating Officer for Construction, said: “Mace has a long heritage in the safe and successful delivery of major aviation projects across the world.

“This will be our first major construction project at Stansted since 2008, and we look forward to working closely with Manchester Airports Group to deliver the terminal.”

The arrivals terminal will include larger immigration and baggage reclaim areas, new retail facilities, a public forecourt and improved access for all onward transport options. Once completed, Stansted will be the only UK airport operating dedicated arrivals and departures terminals.