Set to open in June, the development is one of the largest privately funded construction projects in the UK. Businesses involved in the development will have their work showcased on a global stage with more than 20 million passengers from around the world passing through every year.
In the coming weeks, the development will move into a new phase as Heathrow, its airlines and other operators begin to get the terminal ready for passengers. This will include six months of intensive preparations, with more than 180 trials and tests involving more than 14,000 people. The terminal will open on 4th June 2014, with the first aircraft, a United Airlines flight from Chicago, scheduled to land at 05.55.
Speaking about the impact of Terminal 2 throughout the UK, Secretary of State for Transport, Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP said: “The building of Heathrow’s Terminal 2 has delivered real benefits, not just to the South East but to many regions throughout the country as it has sourced the necessary skills, expertise, raw materials and services it needs.
“I am proud that we are known for having a high quality, highly skilled and hard-working supply chain. This report clearly demonstrates that infrastructure, engineering and construction companies across the country are sharing the benefits from projects such as T2 and helping to build a stronger UK economy.”
John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow Development Director, concluded: “Investment in Heathrow is making a significant contribution to Britain’s economic recovery, creating jobs across the UK, allowing our suppliers to invest in training and innovation, and giving them a fantastic showcase for their work. It demonstrates how expansion at Heathrow will not only create jobs when it has been built, by connecting British exporters directly with emerging growth markets, but also create jobs across the UK while it is being built.”
Terminal 2: The Queen’s Terminal is Heathrow’s most sustainable terminal yet, and marks the latest phase of the airport’s £11 billion transformation. The Terminal has supported 35,000 jobs over the lifetime of the project.
The new terminal will open its doors on 4th June 2014, with the first aircraft, a United Airlines flight from Chicago, scheduled to land at 05.55. Terminal 2 will eventually serve 20 million passengers a year and be home to 23 Star Alliance airlines, as well as Aer Lingus, Virgin Atlantic Little Red and germanwings carriers.
Twenty five thousand staff, many from local communities, will be trained so they can work at T2, including airline staff, retailers, cleaners and delivery drivers. The project includes the main Terminal 2 building, a 522-metre satellite pier (T2B), a 1,340 space car park and an energy centre and cooling station.
The spacious, light and airy terminal will use the latest technology, offering passengers greater choice as they travel through the airport. It will offer a variety of check-in options as well as fast and efficient bag drops. Passengers will be able to choose from a selection of 52 shops and 17 bars and restaurants, which will represent the best of modern Britain. Terminal 2 is part of Heathrow’s vision to be the UK’s direct connection to the world and Europe’s hub airport of choice.
The terminal will open in phases, with the 26 airlines moving in over a period of six months. Just ten percent of flights will operate for the first three weeks of June before gradually building up to full operations.
The history of Terminal 2
The old Terminal 2, opened by the Queen in 1955, was demolished after 54 years of service. It was Heathrow's first terminal, originally called the "Europa Building" and was designed to deal with 1.2 million passengers a year. By the time it closed in 2009 it was handling 8 million passengers a year.
