British Airways moves to new Heathrow Terminal

In what is being billed the most massive move in British aviation history, British Airways is getting ready to transfer its operations from Heathrow Terminals 1 and 4 to the newly built Terminal 5. The move will begin at 11pm on March 26th and if all goes according to plan, it is only expected to last a few hours, until 4am on March 27th. Within this five hour timeframe, BA will have to relocate around 1,000 piece of equipment, including airplanes and ground vehicles, by driving all of these the three miles distance to Terminal 5. Additionally, the move must be accomplished in such a way, that passengers at Heathrow do not even notice the massive transfer and are able to board their flights as usual. According to most observers, there is no precedent for such a massive move in this sort of very limited timeframe in world aviation history.

BA will also begin moving over its staff from Terminal 4 to the new building and will initially transfer 2,500 employees. The rest of the 3,000 BA workers currently posted at the old terminals will relocate on April 30th.

There is always a possibility that BA’s plans may be disrupted at the last minute, due to unforeseen weather conditions or traffic problems at Heathrow. This is why a number contingency plans have already been developed and the UK’s flag carrier is keeping a close eye on wind and weather forecasts for tomorrow evening. Willie Walsh, BA’s CEO, observed that “putting up a closed for business sign” was not an option and that despite the enormity of the move, Heathrow would continue to operate at full capacity during the transfer. Up to 250 employees and volunteers will help coordinate the move.

www.britishairways.com