Airport operator BAA and British Airways have begun a six-month period of operational testing at the new Heathrow Terminal 5, which is due to open on March 27, 2008.
When the terminal opens its doors it will be home to virtually all of British Airways’ Heathrow flights (with the exception of services to Australia, Italy and Spain), and the size of the preparations give some idea of the scale of the development.
No fewer than 30,000 staff from a variety of different organisations will go through familiarisation and induction sessions at Terminal 5, beginning this week, while work continues on system integration and finishing works.
Tests will be carried out on signs to ensure it is easy for customers to find their way around, and complex trials will take place to check airport parking, check-in, IT systems, baggage systems and security.
“We can’t wait to open the doors to our customers,” said BA chief executive Willie Walsh.
“Terminal 5 is a fantastic opportunity for us and will transform our operations with less queuing, faster baggage systems and better punctuality.
“Our customers will have exclusive use of Terminal 5. This will allow us to offer unparalleled standards of comfort and convenience. This week marks the start of the next phase with the beginning of six months of rigorous testing and staff familiarisation sessions.”
The new terminal is one of the biggest free-standing buildings in the UK, measuring 396 metres by 176 metres, with a height of 40 metres.
