From the Chairman
Destination Change Opens a New World

A significant change in air service occurred when American Airlines moved its highly successful London-Gatwick service to London-Heathrow on March 29th. It is important because the flight not only makes travel easier for passengers destined for central London or connecting elsewhere, but it also improves trade and tourism opportunities.

Arriving in Gatwick was good for passengers destined for London. However, for travelers who needed to connect to Heathrow in order to access the hundreds of connecting flights available, it meant collecting luggage, a ride across town and rechecking into Heathrow. The new route will allow travelers to bypass that process. The arriving passenger connecting to another flight takes an internal airport ride from Terminal 3 to Terminal 5 if connecting with British Airways — American’s One World Alliance partner.

Heathrow’s prominence as a gateway airport also works to support North Carolina’s opportunity to capitalize on inbound international tourism. Likewise, business and leisure travelers destined for the Research Triangle Region will have easier access through Heathrow. As our region’s ties to business throughout the world, particularly in India and Asia, continue to grow, so does our need for improved international air service. Heathrow is one step forward in that process, and we applaud American Airlines for making the move.

Another new experience that awaits travelers is the opening of Terminal 2 later this year. In February, the Airport Authority officially endorsed the renaming of its terminals — Terminal A will become Terminal 1 and Terminal C will be replaced by Terminal 2 — upon the opening of the north concourse of the new facility in the fall.

Opening Terminal 2 and growing air service are activities we work hard to provide in order to elevate the experience for our region’s residents and visitors.

Travel safe,

Michael Weeks, Chairman
Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority

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