London Heathrow Airport operator BAA has today released the latest design for the hub's new Terminal 2, which will become the home for Star Alliance carriers.
The £1 billion ($1.6 billion) terminal - part of the £2.2 billion 'Heathrow East' modernisation programme - will accommodate some 20 million passengers per year.
It will feature nine new aircraft stands, a third of them capable of handling the Airbus A380.
Construction of the first phase is due to be completed in 2013. This first phase will replace the current Terminal 2, which is more than 50 years old, as well as the adjacent Queen's Building. Both will be demolished this year.
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BAA capital director Steven Morgan says: "The challenges are not to be underestimated. We are constructing a significant new building in the middle of one of the world's busiest airports, and ensuring the operating airport is not affected is an absolute priority."
The second phase will run to 2019, extending Terminal 2 into the current site of Terminal 1 and involving construction of a second satellite, complementing a satellite pier begun last year. The expansion will take the terminal's annual capacity to 30 million passengers. Terminal 1 will be closed once this phase ends.
London Heathrow chief operating officer Mike Brown says: "Passengers travelling through Heathrow will be using new and extensively-refurbished facilities which provide us with an excellent platform from which we can provide a better service to our customers than ever before."
Heathrow's new terminal will feature a two-level departure lounge, 10m viewing windows, and make use of natural light, solar panels and renewable fuel to reduce energy expenditure.
Oneworld alliance carriers are transferring to Terminal 3 and Terminal 5, while SkyTeam members are co-locating in Terminal 4.
Source: Flight International
