Heathrow unveils plans for 2012 Games terminal

Heathrow Airport today announced the design of a special Games Terminal for athletes departing from the Olympic Games.

The terminal is part of wider plans published today setting out the role Heathrow will play in helping to deliver a successful London 2012 Games. The airport will be the first and last impression of the London 2012 Games for millions of visitors and 80 per cent of the Olympic and Paralympic Family.

The Games Terminal will be the departure point for 10,100 athletes and, along with bag collection from the Olympic and Paralympic Village, will help the airport to manage the huge increase in departing bags and passengers anticipated on the day after the closing ceremony. 13 August 2012 is expected to be the busiest day in the airport’s history, and Heathrow is forecasting 35 per cent more departing bags than on a normal day.

Nick Cole, Head of Olympic and Paralympic Planning at Heathrow said: “The London 2012 Games will be a unique operational task and a massive challenge for Heathrow. The airport is one of the most popular international airports in the world and already operates close to capacity. Every part of the airport is working together to ensure we can give the athletes a warm welcome and ensure all passengers enjoy the atmosphere.”

Colin Jackson, gold medal winning former British hurdler is supporting the work at Heathrow: “There is huge excitement when athletes arrive for the first time at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The atmosphere is electric and often the airport is the first time we see fans and feel the buzz of the weeks to come. I am impressed with how seriously Heathrow is taking its commitment to give everyone a smooth journey.”

Source: BTN

23.01.12