The biggest question though - why?
This. I don't quite understand why Towers/Merlin are doing this to Air, although no doubt it is related to the fact that they feel they'll be able to make more money from retail/photo sales. By Towers standards Air is actually in pretty decent shape.
I suppose it is also linked to the new restaurant; they probably want the whole area to feel fresh. But what there is of Air is ok - the station still looks pretty cool, the landscaping is very settled and planting has grown well, the area generally feels clean and it is a very strong brand. The 50% off all Air merchandise does suggest a potential change of brand which I do think would be a shame.
Now I am all for improvements so am not complaining about additional theming to Air. However there are coasters in far worse state than Air is. Rita, The Smiler, Nemesis and to an extent Thirteen are all in need of work ahead of Air. Rita is a thematic mess and has no station. The Smiler looks horribly run down after a couple of years. Nemesis is fine track and lanscaping wise but the station is in a real state. All of these need money pumped in ahead of Air!
In terms of what they are doing to Air I do have concerns. I am not at all happy about a green screen photo point in the queue, I can only hope it is operated on an only use if you want to basis and those that don't want to can avoid waiting for it. They slow queues down no end. I have no doubts that you will be forced to pass through it though even if you don't want your photo taking. I also expect it to be a cheap 'box' building covered in vinyls for the exterior 'theme'.
Enclosing the station is an interesting one, the application talks about how it is currently exposed to the elements however Rita is more so! I actually quite like how Air's station is a bit open, but I hope that with its enclosure comes more interior theming and maybe some more lighting effects.
Who knows what the two theming objects will turn out to be. I just hope they add to the current theme and are no sponsors boards or something. Proper theming please!
Final point - please don't destroy Air's brand Alton Towers! "Pepare for Air... assume the position... niow fly" etc are brilliant! The current Air theme also works well, so please just let this be enhancements.