Anyone with burning questions....

Just a thought; if anyone on here has burning questions about the T2 project, or ongoing VS/LHR interface developments that they would like answered, then please feel free to ask as we've got our monthly senior managers conflab today.

Just an idea.

That's a great offer - I'd urge caution on your behalf though. Be very careful (for your own sake) that you're not breaching any terms of contract or confidentiality...

That's a great offer - I'd urge caution on your behalf though. Be very careful (for your own sake) that you're not breaching any terms of contract or confidentiality...

Yes, Im aware of what I can and can't answer. Anything that is operationally/commercially sensitive will remain so.

[Darren Wheeler]

Here's an easy one.

When will Heathrow be finished?

- I'd urge caution on your behalf though.

I was thinking exactly the same thing, especially after the OP's comments on VS long-term plans in another thread.

- I'd urge caution on your behalf though.

I was thinking exactly the same thing, especially after the OP's comments on VS long-term plans in another thread.

I did check that before I posted; it's an unrestricted document.

Here's an easy one.

When will Heathrow be finished?

I suspect the answer to that is probably never, as it's always evolving to meet new demands; however, the latest phase of works is scheduled to be complete by 2018 (that's T2A and B, plus the new roadways and baggage tunnels).

There are notional concepts about a T5D and doing away with T1 afterwards, but that wouldn't be started untill at least 2020 in my estimation.

Yes, any chance of a T2 tour? Love to see it. Oh, and can you nick an A380 for me and drop it off at my house ) .

Seriously, thanks for the offer, I know V-Flyer always appreciates posts from people with an inside view, hoping, as you do, that folk abide by their company rules.

any plans to extend the 'pod' system to other areas of LHR? T5 long stay car park or all over the airport??

When will Terminal 3 be either knocked down or extensively improved from its current windowless state?

I have none. But if you sit in the same room as the people responsible for the LGW reconfig can you ask them to hurry up and get it done so they can put the seat maps up.

As it stands, the Pod system is likely to be expanded out to the other terminals when the infrastructure is there to support it - with T4 being the last terminal likely to receive the Pod treatment. There is an issue with the T2 building site at the moment, and discussions going on about where the track could run. It is unlikely to be before 2018 when the T2 and Eastern campus projects are complete. It is also likely that the Pod system will be in two parts; with the current T5 system serving T5 and the Sofitel, and a separate track running down to T2 and the present CTA.

With regards to T3; this remains quite a contentious issue - there are arguments for both the complete removal of T3 in about 10 years time, and replacement with a T2 style development, or simply to expand T2 into the area currently occupied by T3 in a similar timescale to make one massive terminal.

Very long term - and we're talking 20+ years, the airfield is planned to be on a rectolinear design (toast rack).

Much of these discussions are being held back however by very little guidance on a UK Aviation policy.

Sorry, what's the Pod system???

Sorry, what's the Pod system???

It's a people mover system where you board a little car like pod whihc take you along a dedicated roadway to your destination.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_rapid_transit


Not surprised about the lack of clarity re T3. It's hard to plan when you don't know what the Government plans are. I mean what's the point in spending squilions on a 'new' T3 if the plan turns out to be build Boris Island and close down LHR

Sorry, what's the Pod system???

It's the futuristic self-driven vehicle that runs from the T5 business car park to T5.

Shame to hear about T3 not being 'done' soon.

I wonder whether VS will up sticks to the new T2 or T1 to offer passengers a better experience than T3? (assuming the CDC and security lane can be recreated)

The non-clubhouse experience in T3 really is the pits, although it has improved a lot with the decoration etc that has gone on.

Shame to hear about T3 not being 'done' soon.

I wonder whether VS will up sticks to the new T2 or T1 to offer passengers a better experience than T3? (assuming the CDC and security lane can be recreated

T2 will be the home of Star Alliance, with the notable exception of BMI should it be successfully snapped up by IAG and head over to T5 like Iberia. There is scope for VS to move, but unless it rapidly makes up its mind about joining an alliance, then I can't see it happening anytime soon.

I might also point out that there is nothing in T2 plans for any sort of DTCI facility.

I wonder whether consumer perception will become a big issue for airlines stuck in T3 come 2018 when the new T2/T1 development is open?

There will be an obvious drop in the standard of facilities compared to the new terminal, plus T5 should still be in pretty good order.

Perhaps customers will be put off using airlines who fly from T3 for these reasons?

T4 seems to be a little 'out on a limb' with its non-alliance airlines and Skyteam.