Construction on the new Terminal 5, with an artist’s rendition of the completed interior. For more photos, click here

Heathrow T5 opening date set

Heathrow Airport’s new Terminal 5 will open March 27, 2008, airport operator BAA and British Airways have announced. T5 will become a new home for British Airways, serve around 30 million passengers a year and be what BAA calls “a stunning new gateway to the UK.”

More than 90 percent of construction-related work is already complete and the project remains on time and on budget. A six-month period of proving trials will begin in September this year, when over 16,000 people will be recruited to act as passengers and thoroughly test every aspect of the building including car parking, check-in, baggage systems, IT systems and security.

“London is a world city, a global financial center and needs a world class airport,” said Tony Douglas, CEO of BAA Heathrow. “T5 is already a testament to the skill and hard work of the thousands of people, including architects, planners, construction workers, airport and airline staff, who have together made the building happen. There is still much to do, but we’re confident we are on track to deliver a world-class experience that Heathrow’s passengers deserve.

Heathrow needs the help. This year 68 million passengers will pass through aging terminal facilities designed to accommodate around 45 million. When T5 opens 30 million passengers move out of existing terminals, which will in turn enable BAA to redevelop the rest of the airport and bring it up to a comparable standard to T5.
“By 2012, we aim to have either re-built or redeveloped our existing facilities and returned Heathrow to its rightful status as the world’s leading international airport,” Douglas said.

British Airways will be the sole airline occupant of T5.