The Secretary of State for Transport, Rt. Hon Philip Hammond MPhas officially opened Birmingham Airport's "One Terminal" at a VIP
event attended by more than 300 guests from international business,
the travel industry and the local community
.
The new facility is the latest phase of a £100 million redevelopmentof the airport which includes the construction of a new International
Pier, a 3,365 space multi storey car park, Taxiway improvements
and an Air Traffic Control Tower due to be completed in 2013
.
Speaking at the event, Transport Secretary Philip Hammond said,
"I would like to thank Birmingham Airport for the opportunity
to help celebrate the opening of these impressive new facilities
We have always been clear that regional airports have a vital
role to play in supporting both local and national economies
and improving connectivity"
.
.
The new "One Terminal" is a result of a £13 million redevelopmentto merge the Airport's two terminals into a single facility to improve
its overall operational capabilities and the customer experience. The
investment has led to the development of a larger centralised
passenger security search area, an enlarged arrivals and onward
travel facility, a significant catering and retail offer, including
a spacious 20,000 sq ft walk through Duty Free Store
.
Paul Kehoe, CEO of Birmingham Airport, explained, "This investmentplaces Birmingham Airport in a unique position to met the anticipated
growth in future air travel and offers an alternative for those tired of
taking long and stressful road journeys to reach other UK airports"
.
"Birmingham is increasingly being acknowledged as a strategic
national asset, which should form part of an integrated
transport system. Our runway extension scheme, to be
operational by 2014, will allow direct flights to China,
South East Asia and the West Coast of America"
.
The new world Duty Free store is 50% larger than the previousoffer and has a wider range of products including liquor, beauty,
accessories and confectionery
.
In addition to the structural changes, the passenger terminal
has been given a complete facelift to incorporate the Airport's
new identity which was launched in October 2010 and loses
the name "International"
.
Friday 13 May 2011