London Heathrow remains focus of BAA capital investment programme, GBP550m invested in 1H2012

UK's BAA stated (25-Jul-2012) London Heathrow Airport continues to be the focus of the company's capital investment programme. Close to GBP550 million was invested at Heathrow in 1H2012. The investment programme's current focus is on the construction of the new Terminal 2, which remains on budget with construction due to be completed in late 2013 and operations due to commence in 2014. Details include:

• Terminal 2 works: The main Terminal 2 building is weather-tight and the fit out in the building is making progress, with work on walls, ceilings, floors and communications rooms well under way. Baggage conveyors and escalators are being installed and work has begun on fabric ceiling coverings inside the terminal.The second phase of the satellite Terminal 2B is scheduled to be weather-tight in 3Q2012. The superstructure connecting the north and south sections is complete and fit out continues with the installation of mechanical and electrical services, lifts and passenger conveyors and the formation of internal rooms. The passenger tunnel linking Terminal 2B with the main Terminal 2 building is formed with work underway on the fit out of service modules along its length. Construction of Terminal 2's multi-storey car park, and the associated ramp, is progressing at speed;
• Baggage infrastructure: Significant investment continues on Heathrow's baggage infrastructure. In Heathrow's baggage investment programme, the new underground automated baggage transfer system between Terminals 3 and 5 is in final commissioning. Elsewhere works on the superstructure for Terminal 3's new integrated baggage system are "well under way". The main elements of the baggage system have been manufactured off-site and are expected to be delivered to Heathrow in the next few months. BAA noted "good progress is now being made on the steel frame for the superstructure and the first roof panels have been installed";
• Terminal 4: A significant programme of refurbishment works has commenced in Terminal 4's departure lounge that are expected to be completed by the end of 2012, BAA said.