The Queen’s Terminal, designed by Luis Vidal + Architects (LVA), will open to meet a United Airlines flight from Chicago scheduled to land at the new building in the early morning.
Over half a century since Heathrow’s original Terminal 2 was opened, the new development will be home to 22 Star Alliances airlines as well as Aer Lingus, Virgin Atlantic Little Red and Germanwings carriers.
The terminal has taken five years to complete and includes the main Terminal 2 building, a monumental new sculpture by artist Richard Wilson RA, a 1,340-space car park and an energy centre and cooling station.
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The project is one of the UK’s largest privately funded construction projects and has provided jobs for approximately 35,000 people.
John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow Development Director, said: "Terminal 2 has been designed with the passenger at the heart. Building on the success of Terminal 5, it will bring together technology, architecture and human touches.
"Our goal is to make every journey better for our passengers and bringing together 25 airlines in this light and airy space is just one more step in the transformation of Heathrow."
Luis Vidal commented: "Airports are the Cathedrals of the 21st Century; they are the gateways to nations, and serve a public function. That is why they must look into the future and adapt themselves to changes and challenges.
"Putting passengers first and making it easy for airlines and workers have been our drivers at Heathrow; but above all, making it welcoming and comfortable; pragmatic and functional; flooded with natural light and providing for intuitive orientation for everyone."
(IT/MH)
