Airport operator BAA and British Airways are beginning an intensive six month period of operational readiness activities in preparation for the opening of the terminal on March 27, 2008 at Heathrow in the United Kingdom.

Operational readiness activities include induction and familiarization programmes, staff training and over 70 separate proving trials. These activities run in parallel to the final completions work which includes fit-out, systems integration and finishing works.

From this week over 30,000 staff from different organizations will be taken through comprehensive familiarization and induction programs at the new terminal. BAA and British Airways jointly begin a series of basic tests involving the different individual elements of the building, including for example, signage and wayfinding, the check-in process or evacuation procedures.

The series of complex integrated trials begins in November and will give volunteers the opportunity test out the new terminal under realistic airport conditions. Over 16,000 people have been recruited to act as volunteer passengers and will thoroughly test every aspect of the building including car parking, check-in, baggage systems, IT systems and security.

Willie Walsh, Chief Executive of British Airways, said, "We can't wait to open the doors to our customers on March 27 next year. Terminal 5 is a fantastic opportunity for British Airways and will transform our operations with less queuing, faster baggage systems and better punctuality.

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