News: Virgin unveils plans for revamped Heathrow T3
Flights > News > # 1296 (31/05/2007)
A battle to offer the best passenger experience at Heathrow is set to take off after Virgin Atlantic announced plans to open a new state-of-the-art “Drive Thru” check in facility in terminal three this winter.
The move comes ahead of the opening of British Airways’ new terminal five next March.
The development, which is part of BAA's refurbishment and expansion of terminal three, has been designed by Foster & Partners in conjunction with Virgin Atlantic's in-house design team.
The Virgin Atlantic check in area will be wider, brighter and more spacious than the current facility and will feature an elegant glass fronted annexe building.
Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class check in will allow passengers to be taken in their chauffeur driven cars onto an arrival area in the heart of the terminal building, where they will be welcomed by a dedicated host.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesman said: “From check in through to their departure gate, passengers will have a fast, efficient and stress free journey, which will relax them for the start of their trip and save them precious time at the airport.
"We estimate that it will take the majority of our passengers under 15 minutes to check in and get through to the departure lounge and even less time for our Upper Class passengers.”
Terminal 5, whose construction is almost complete, will be the biggest free standing building in Britain measuring 40 metres high, 396 metres long and 176 metres wide. It will serve 30 million passengers a year.
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