T5 PREVIEW FOR SAM
BY CDT SGT SAMUEL JAMES
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On Tuesday 12th February, one lucky cadet from 1066 (Hitchin) Squadron got the chance to preview London Heathrow’s new Terminal 5 before it opens on March 27th 2008. BAA, the owner and operator of Heathrow, have been spending millions of pounds on these ‘T5 proving trials’ to ensure the terminal runs smoothly when it opens in March.
Sgt Samuel James (17) was among 150 other people from all over London and the South East attending the trials. Volunteers were asked to play the role of a British Airways passenger flying out of Terminal 5 that day. Unfortunately, no-one got to actually fly anywhere but were given a tasty packed lunch instead to compensate!
The day started off at the Renaissance Hotel, then after receiving a warm welcome and briefing, volunteers were than transported to t
he Terminal where the trials began. Sgt James said “I had the profile of a Mr L Newton flying to Lyon, France. I had one piece of ‘luggage’ to check-in, which is where the T5 luggage system gets tested. I then had the opportunity to proceed through security where they have a brand-new high tech x-ray screening machine and automatic tray belt. After passing security, the terminal opens out to a vast glass wall providing amazing views of the airfield. The design and perception of the building is absolute stunning and overwhelming. Everything has a cool, modern feel to it”.
Volunteers were then tested to see how they responded with the fire alarm and how BAA and British Airways staff handled it. Sgt James comments “It was a very busy day and indeed a very hectic commute, getting stuck in two traffic jams from accidents on the M25, but the trip was still worth it, being one of the first to see the UK’s biggest construction projects to date”.
BAA is still currently running the trials on weekdays and Saturdays so if anyone is interested be sure to check out the Terminal 5 website: www.heathrowairport.com/terminal5
Images courtesy of BAA Ltd.
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On Tuesday 12th February, one lucky cadet from 1066 (Hitchin) Squadron got the chance to preview London Heathrow’s new Terminal 5 before it opens on March 27th 2008. BAA, the owner and operator of Heathrow, have been spending millions of pounds on these ‘T5 proving trials’ to ensure the terminal runs smoothly when it opens in March.Sgt Samuel James (17) was among 150 other people from all over London and the South East attending the trials. Volunteers were asked to play the role of a British Airways passenger flying out of Terminal 5 that day. Unfortunately, no-one got to actually fly anywhere but were given a tasty packed lunch instead to compensate!
The day started off at the Renaissance Hotel, then after receiving a warm welcome and briefing, volunteers were than transported to t
he Terminal where the trials began. Sgt James said “I had the profile of a Mr L Newton flying to Lyon, France. I had one piece of ‘luggage’ to check-in, which is where the T5 luggage system gets tested. I then had the opportunity to proceed through security where they have a brand-new high tech x-ray screening machine and automatic tray belt. After passing security, the terminal opens out to a vast glass wall providing amazing views of the airfield. The design and perception of the building is absolute stunning and overwhelming. Everything has a cool, modern feel to it”.Volunteers were then tested to see how they responded with the fire alarm and how BAA and British Airways staff handled it. Sgt James comments “It was a very busy day and indeed a very hectic commute, getting stuck in two traffic jams from accidents on the M25, but the trip was still worth it, being one of the first to see the UK’s biggest construction projects to date”.
BAA is still currently running the trials on weekdays and Saturdays so if anyone is interested be sure to check out the Terminal 5 website: www.heathrowairport.com/terminal5
Images courtesy of BAA Ltd.
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posted by Sgt. James @ 11:50
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