Passenger tests begin at Heathrow T5

Airports operator BAA began the six-month countdown to the opening of Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport today with the commencement of passenger tests.

Some 15,000 people were recruited to inspect the new terminal and assess every aspect that will have an influence on passenger experience.

Among the factors that will be examined are parking facilities, security provisions, baggage-handling systems, check-in procedures and passenger navigation around the site.

BAA chief executive Stephen Nelson seemed confident about the tests, saying: "Terminal 5 will redefine the passenger experience at Heathrow, in terms of customer service and improved facilities.

"It is an enormous step forward in the transformation of the airport and will significantly reduce congestion around the existing infrastructure."

When it opens on March 27th 2008 Terminal 5 is expected to take 30 million passengers from the existing four terminals, nearly half the number of people that are expected to use Heathrow this year.

This will reduce congestion but also create the possibility for redevelopment work to be carried out on the four existing passenger facilities.