AN225, B747-8 and Stand 47
In response to a few recent posts:
There is no blanket ban on AN225, it would simply be a matter of assessing the commercial vs. logistical issues of any specific flight if it were to be requested, and deciding whether it can be accommodated. The work done for the A380 does not solve all the 225 issues as the 225 is significantly bigger (larger than ICAO Code F, which is max. span 80m) and it goes to a different part of the apron.
B747-8F will operate into MAN for CX next year, gradually replacing the -400F as the fleet rolls over. Stand 73 will be modified this autumn in readiness for CX, with another stand, probably 82, to follow in due course. The 'November' taxilane will be widened by moving the roadways, to allow for the -8's larger wingspan. Incidentally, Stand 206 at T2 (recently reconfigured) is capable should a pax version ever arrive.
The NatWest airbridge is indeed from Stand 47, which is being modified to suit the fleet and traffic profiles now using T3. T3 now has much LoCo who are not so bothered about airbridges. 47 will now be A319 capable, along with the reorganised 44R. 45 and 46 have been withdrawn in the process. Stands across the airport will continue to be reconfigured as fleets and turnaround requirements change.