The new fast and efficient terminal at Heathrow T3 will give millions of passengers a seamless and simple journey through the airport. 

Virgin's business class check in, the Upper Class Wing, boasts the fastest Check In in the world making it possible to transfer from limo to lounge in minutes, partly due to a dedicated security corridor.

Premium Economy and Economy passengers benefit from a brand new Check In area which is wider, brighter and more spacious, enabling passengers to check-in at kiosks in a fast, efficient and stress-free way. Virgin Atlantic expects 80% of its passengers at Heathrow to be using Online or Kiosk Check-In by the end of 2008. Other improvements at Terminal 3 being undertaken by BAA include the impressive multi-million pound forecourt redevelopment, featuring a new piazza, that will open by the end of the year.

Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic, commented:

"Our fast and fresh new terminal at Heathrow signals the rebirth of Heathrow Airport. The redevelopment means that we can offer our passengers a world-class facility we can be proud of. It will also be one of the most technologically advanced, with 80% of passengers checking in online or using kiosks by the end of next year.

"We are also pleased to be able to open our facilities to the public months before BA opens the giant Terminal 5. We think our new facility goes to show that bigger is not always better as our passengers will benefit from shorter distances between their check-in and security checks."

Mark Bullock, BAA's Heathrow Managing Director, said:

"Virgin Atlantic's new state-of-the-art facility is a fantastic

addition to Heathrow Airport. The stylish, modern design and dedicated security lane for business passengers are sure to be a hit with Virgin's customers. BAA is committed to transforming the whole of Heathrow Airport and today's official opening is a big step forward toward that goal."

The renovation of Virgin Atlantic's Check In facility is part of the £1bn investment programme in Terminal 3 at Heathrow. The new terminal was officially opened by the Spice Girls, who flew back into the UK today for the UK leg of their tour. The girls also named a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747 "Spice One" yesterday in their honour.

Virgin Atlantic's new terminal facility will handle over 60,000 passengers every week and around three million passengers in the next year alone. Virgin Atlantic's terminal was designed by Foster + Partners in collaboration with Virgin Atlantic's in-house design team. Other improvements at Terminal 3 being undertaken by BAA include the multi-million pound forecourt redevelopment that will open by the end of the year.