Birmingham begins £45m terminal extension

A £45 million terminal extension has been launched this week at Birmingham Airport.

The project represents the biggest single investment that the airport has made in more than 20 years and will result in a new international pier to replace the current facility.

Three storeys will comprise the pier, with departing passengers accommodated on the top level, arriving passengers using the middle storey and the ground floor allocated to airline and handling agent offices.

Passengers will notice a number of improvements at the growing regional airport, including additions to its flight network and new gate lounges.

Will Heynes, operations director at Birmingham Airport, said: "This investment will provide the airport with facilities to enable it to meet the growing demand for international services to global destinations from Birmingham.

"Once complete, the pier will provide a high quality gateway into the Midlands for foreign visitors."

The facility will also make Birmingham Airport capable of accommodating 'next generation' aircraft such as the Airbus A350 and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

• Less than a week until Esta launch
• 'Spectacular events' in Italy
• Europe 'to remain popular for skiing holidays'
• US connecting flights proving popular at Bristol Airport
• Record year for London City Airport
• Virgin Atlantic to celebrate 25th year
• Long haul trips 'offer best value this year'
• Budget travellers offered holiday guide
• Record passenger growth for Etihad in 2008
• Spain top for Scots in 2009